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YOUNG PEOPLE'S 

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 

FROM THE EARLIEST DISCOVERIES TO THE PRESENT TIME, 

CONTAINING, ALSO, A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE 

prebistoric IRatione, 

TOGETHER WITH THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, AS WELL 
AS THOSE OF THE 

EARLY SETTLERS. 




PRINCIPAL EVENTS, STORIES, AND BIOGRAPHIES, ARE ARRANGED IN 

TOPIC FORM, FOR EASY REFERENCE, AND WRITTEN 

TO INTEREST BOTH OLD AND YOUNG. 



By 

ARTHUR C. DRESBACH, 

ASSISTED BY HIS WIFE, 

ADA A. DRESBACH. ...^..^Qpy, 

/ 

" \ / 

CHICAGO: (^ 1/ 

HOME HISTORICAL SERIES. 

iSS6. 







COPYWKIGHT 
APPLIED FOR. 



PREFACE. 




I E purpose writing a brief history of Illinois that 
will cover a period of over two hundred years 
— from the first advent of Europeans among 
her primeval nations down to the present. 

Of the prehistoric nations we shall recount 
the positive and theoretic knowledge of the 
origin, migrations and mode of living. We 
shall dwell upon the valuable discoveries made by the Jesuit 
missionaries. We shall follow the Kaskaskia, Cahokia and 
neighboring settlers through the early trials of wilderness life 
and note their mode of dwelling in friendly intercourse with the 
red men by whom they were surrounded. We shall treat the 
question, as to who were the rightful heirs — English or French 
— to Illinois soil, from a Western standpoint, allowing the reader 
to be the judge as to where the blame for the terrible butcheries, 
which we shall narrate in full,properly belong. In the Terri- 
torial Period we shall, of necessity, briefly sketch the history of 
Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. In the State Period 
we shall arrange the history in Gubernatorial administrations, 
treating of the wars under sub-headings. Biographical sketches 
of Governors, discoverers and other distinguished individuals, 
together with thrilling and instructive stories somewhat dis- 
tinct from a brief history, we shall insert at the last of periods 
or administrations. 



4 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

We should be proud of our State and cherish her history. 
The world's experience is being our experience; yet who re- 
mains to tell the tale? We introduce this volume to fill a va- 
cancy felt by the people in general and especially by the young 
whose storehouse of experience only goes back to the time when 
the great race had been run and the settlers began collecting the 
spoils of victory. The book itself, to the public, needs no intro- 
duction: suffice it to say, no other work similarly graded or 
arranged has yet been issued, that is within reach of the masses 
of the people; that contains statistics and narratives they desire, 
and that is easy of reference. 

As to interest Illinois history is profoundly fascinating, un- 
surpassed even by the history of the United States of which she 
forms an important nucleus; yet, she has been robbed of justice 
by Eastern historians. When William Penn and followers 
were negotiating for satisfactory treaties with Indians in Penn- 
sylvania, noble teachers were already instructing the primevals 
in their Western homes, and treaties for trade had been ratified. 
Before a white man trod the soil of Ohio or Kentucky, Illinois 
had a I'ecorded history of one century. When the English be- 
gan brooding over a plea to enter and explore lands west of the 
Alleghanies, five settlements of 150 families had been founded 
in the Garden of America where schools, monasteries, 
churches and a valuable growing commerce had been established. 
When printing of books was in its infancy Illinois had published, 
to her credit, in London, England, a history that is often con- 
sulted and which may be seen in the State and the Chicago 
libraries. 

In statesmanship Illinois has been unrivaled; in warfare her 
sons have been of the bravest; in biographical sketches her citi- 
zens have so caught the inspiration of active life that their 
sketches are of the most valuable. In every North American 
warfare, save local troubles, the heroic sons of Illinois were 
called upon for assistance, and in none have their efforts been 
paralleled by other States save in the American Revolution. 
Within her borders were found the noblest Indians ever met by 
Whites; also the most vicious whose bloody deeds stain the 
character of their race. Within her borders political questions 



PREFACE. 5 

have germinated — some have withered others taken root and 
flourished — while her poHticians have often led those of the 
Nation. To Illinois history belongs the record of the growth 
and development of a world-renowned political division, whose 
industries are everywhere known and whose period of history 
extends through almost the entire period of United States histor}-; 
to Illinois history belongs the record of a growth and develop- 
ment from the first invention to a rapid speed of the most 
complete net-work of railroads in the world; to Illinois history 
belongs the record of the marked rise of a great city — a city 
whose history is of the most tragical — her great conflagration, 
her political enthusiasm, her growing enterprise and her un- 
happy fate from the massacre at Fort Dearborn to the Anarch- 
al riots; a city whose interests are gathering the wealthv, the 
enterprising and is gradually becoming the market center of the 
world. 

Believing that there is a growing desire for a better knowl- 
edge of our State's history, that In the course of years its Impor- 
tance will require it in the curriculum of our common schools, 
that a home history is of the most consequence and that for the 
association of local events It is first necessary to understand and 
have access to a State history, we hope to give to the public, at a 
reasonable cost, a work filled with the most valuable statistics, at 
the same time simplified to interest even youth and so arranged as 
not to require the reading of volumes for the Information sought. 

In our researches we have carefully consulted over one hun- 
dred and twenty-five volumes in the Illinois State Library and 
the Chicago Public Library, while we have taken pains to be ac- 
curate in noting and comparing facts. ATTTHOR «5 

Chicago, July 24, 1886. 





INTRODUCTION. 
First and second races that inhabited America, 15-16 



First built cities, - 15 

Like Babylon and Memphis. 
Present habitation; 



Second built mounds, 
Use of mounds. 
Mounds in Illinois. 



15 



Third, lace that inhabited America, 16-21 



Were first seen by Columbus. 
Cortez in Mexico, - 16 

Montezuma, the Great King 
Offering sacrifice. 
Their temple. 
Peru and Central America, 1 7 
Built houses. 
Their tradition. 
Mode of burial. 
The Incas. 
Dead kings at festivals. 
Indians of the United States. 
Built wiofwams. 



Men's sole ambition. 
Duty of the women. 
" Medicine Men." 
Future state of the soul. 
Indians of Illinois, - 19 

The Illinois, 
Mascoutins or Kickapoos. 
Pottawatomies. 
Sacs and Foxes. 
Miamis. 
Winnebagoes. 
Indian birthplace, - 21 



Behring Strait theory. 
America discovered and settled by Europeans, 21—23 



Mystified Europeans, 

Oceanic theory. 
Discovery of America. 
Claims to America. 

Spaniards. 

STORY. — " Montezuma and His People." 23-25 



French. 
English. 
Settlements, 
Periods in Illinois history, 



23 
13 



Used hieroglyphics. 
Religious beliefs. 
Golden palaces. 
The King's speech. 
Throne taken. 



The temple. 
Priests. 
Mode of sacrifice. 
Human sacrifices. 
Their srods. 



CONTENTS. 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 
^French missionaries, 27 

-28 



Order of Catholic priests, 27 
Disposition. 



Father Allouez, 
His Illinois plans. 

Perrot, first White on Illinois soil 28 



FATHER MARQUETTE AND 'LOUIS JOLIET. 



Departure from Mackinaw, 28 
Deserted by guides. 
The Mississippi. 
Opinion of the country. 
Illinois Indians. - - 29 

Two primeval villages. 
A boisterous introduction. 
Singular ceremonies, 30 & 56 
Token— the calumet. 
Token — a naked Indian. 
Token — a flattery. 
Token — presenting a boy 
Dining-room etiquette. 
Indian stories. 



Other discoveries, - 31 

Missouri, Illinois and Ohio R. 
Attacked bv savages. 
Near De Soto's sepulchre. 
Indians without clothing. 
Marquette teaches. 
Return to Green Bay. - 
Up Illinois River. 
Up Lake Michigan. 
Joliet goes to Canada, - 
Marquette, to the Kaskaskias". 
Sick at Chicago River. 
His death. 



31 



32 



LA SALLE, TONTI AND HENNEPIN. 

Preparing to go West; journey to and arrival in Illinois,. . 32 



Governor Frontenac, 32 

Favors La Salle. 
La Salle and Louis XIV, 33 

Commission from the king. 
Western route and stations, 33 
Fort Frontenac, 
Lake vessels built. 
Station at Niagara. 
Mackinaw mission. 
Fort Miami. 



Difficulties on the way, 34 

Men arrested. 
Dangers on the lake. 
Trouble with Indians. 
Scarcity of food. 
La Salle loses his way. 
Land of the Illinois. - 37 

Return of thanks. 
A deserted villasre. 



Welcome at Lake Peoria, 38 
Pirst expedition, 28 



A cloud of difficulties, 3S 

Life and fortune at stake. 

Reconciliation. 

First fort built, - - 41 

La Salle goes to Canada, 42 

Hennepin, up the Mississippi. 

Dakotas take him prisoner. 



Chapel built at Peoria, 43 

Illinois and Iroquois at war 45 
Tonti wounded. 
Destroying Indian souls. 
A massacre. 
Driven from the country. 
La Salle bankrupt, - 44 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Second expedition, 47 



Searching for Tonti, - 
Hiding among rocks. 
Return to Fort Miami. 



47 



No tidings. 
Confederation of Indians, 
La Salle to be chief. 



48 



Third expedition, 50 



Lower Mississippi explor'd, 50 
Joined by Tonti. 
Names country Louisiana. 
Return to Illinois. 
Ft. St. Louis built. 51 



20,000 Indians join him. 
Conspirators, - - 51 

De la Barre made Governor. 
La Salle's letter to him. 
" called to France. 



Last voyage and death of La Salle, 53 

Captain lands him in Texas. | Tonti's expedition from Illinois. 

STOKY.— " Indian Torture," 54 

6 h'rs torture with red-hot iron. 
Driving away spirits. 



Bereaved Indians. 
Adoption for torture. 

STORY. — " The Illinois give a formal reception," 56 

STORY.—" Adopted by Indians," 57 



Father Hennepin adopted. 
Doctored by physicians. 



Jacques Marquette, - 59 

R. R. Cavelier de La Salle, 60 



Made warm in an oven. 
Evil spirits driven from him. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Louis Hennepin, - - 62 
Louis Joliet, - - 63 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 
History of the early settlements, 66 



Kaskaskia, first settlement, 66 

Early records. 
Cahokia and St. Sulpice, 67 

Mills erected. 
Missionary life, - - 67 

Father Marest at Peoria, 68 



New Orleans made capital, 68 
Crozat and his commerce, 69 
« South Sea Bubble," - 70 
A general massacre planned, 71 
Natchez Indians destroyed. 
Illinois in 1732. 



War with the Chickasaws, 72 



First Battle, - - 72 
111. Gov. burned at the stake. 



74 



Second engagement, - 
Treaty of peace. 

1750; Condition of Illinois, 63 

" FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR." 



English treachery, - 75 

The Ohio Company. 
Distribution of lead plates, 76 



Important battles, - 77 

Bad opinions of Washington. 

French lose their territory, 78 



CONTENTS. 



Indians trouble the British, 78 



Pontiac's war, - - 79 

Detroit treachery. 
Ft, Miami massacre. 
Maclvinaw " 
Pennsylvania outras:es. 



British plan to get to Illinois, 80 
A grand army sent back. 
Pontiac's speech. 
Rich presents seized. 
Pontiac assassinated at Cahokia. 



British Governors of Illinois, 83 

The articles given for land, 84 | Fort Chartres destroyed, 84 



Situation in Illinois, 
Patrick Henry's orders. 
Night attack on Kaskaskia 
Cahokia and Peoria. 



RF.VOLUTIONARY WAR 

86 



Vincennes retaken by British. 
Battle before Vincennes, 93 
Illinois a county of Virginia, 94 
History of Illinois County. 



STORY.—" Pontiac's Plan." 
Dance before Detroit garrison 
Indian girl reveals a plot. 

STORY.—" An Indian Legend." 

War among Illinois Indians. | "Starved Rock" tragedy 



Attack and siege. 
Pontiac's promissory note. 



96 



98 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. 
Early laws and punishments, lOi 

NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 1784-180O. 

Washington's request of Gov. | Survey question-dissatisfaction. 
"Wars on the frontier; cause, 105 



Illinois warfare, - 105 

Accounts of noted skirmishes, 

massacres and depredations. 

Indiana warfare, - 108 



General Harmer's expedition. 
Gov. St. Clair's total defeat. 
Indians in council. 
Battle of the Maumee. 



New settlements formed, 1 1 1 

Noblewomen, - ^^i | Illinois in one county, 112 

INDIANA TERRITORY. 1S0O-O9. 



Wm. H. Harrison, Governor. 

Louisiana Territory annexed. 

Fort Dearborn erected, 113 



Territorial election and Legis. 
Separationists and Anti-Sep. 
Political broils: election. 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 1809-18. 

Officers and capital, 1 16 

Tecumseh wars and conference, ii6 



lO HISTORY OF ILI.IN'OIS. 

Earthquake, 1 18 

■Territorial affairs, and election, 1 18 



First State house. 
Roads and defenses. 



Indian conference at Cahokia. 
Names of chiefs present. 

INDIAN WARS OF l8l2. 

Cause and alarm, 1 30 



Massacre at Chicago. 
First expedition to Peoria. 

People and customs in 1814, 134 



Second expedition to Peoria. 
Indians driven Westward. 



Territoi'ial bank. 
First newspapers. 

Territory to a State, 137 



Condition of church. 
Marriaee bond. 



Northern boundary changed. 
First Constitutional Assembly 

.8TOKY.— " Mrs. Gilham's Captivity," 130 



State school fund. 
Election. 



How captured. 
Journey to Illinois, 



Foot-sore children. 
Search for the family. 



STORY.—" Lively and Huggins." 132 

The Lively family uneasy. 
Disturbances at nigfht. 



Indian depredations 

Muggins grows f 

Moves to a fort 



The massacre. 



STORY.—" Gomo's speech," 133 

He gives history. | He tells of murders by Whites. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

William Henry Harrison, | Ninian Edwards. 

STATE PERIOD. 

Modified laws, 141 

BOND'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Internal Improvement, 143 

Finance ; habits and customs, 143 

Monetary ignorance. | A substitute for money. 

■Capital changed, 145 

A new city built. | Decline of Kaskaskia. 

Slavery in Illinois, 146 

Foundation of " Black Laws." I Punishments and fines. 



CONTENTS. II 

Election, newcounties,etc., 147 

Biographical. — Shadrach Bon5, 147 

COLES'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Slavery agitation, 149 

Governor's message. Pro-Slavery and Anti-Slavary. 

" Convention or Death." Result of a bitter contest. 

Finance, roads and schools, 150 

Governor's arrest, trial, conviction, etc., 151 

Election; Gubernatorial and Presidential, , 151 

Biographical. — Edward Coles, 1^2 

EDWARDS'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Sketch of the Governor, i^j 

Winnebago War, 1^4 

Scheme to get public lands for the State, 155 

Orig^in of "Sucker." Election, 1^5 

REYNOLDS'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Governor and Legislature at war; timidity of latter,. , . 156 

Dawn of a new era; Judges lawyers and ministers, 156 

BLACK HAWK WAR. 

Canse, General Gaines's treaty and hostilities renewed,. . 159 



Battle of Old Man's Creek. 
Indian Creek massacre. 
Battle of Burr Oak Grove. 
" " Apple River Fort 
Major Demont's defeat I Scott's Army. 

Suffering of the army. Peace. 



Treacherous Indian guides. 
Black Hawk's retreat. 
Battle of the Wisconsin. 
" " Bad Axe. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



John Reynolds, - 169 

General Henry, - 169 



Black Hawk, - - 169 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Internal improvement excitement, 171 

New State bank. Enterprise throughout the State 

Alton to be a metropolis. Chicago from 1813 to 1837. 

The great canal. Magfic cities. 



la HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Biographical. — Joseph Duncan 105, 

CARLIN'S ADMINISTRATION. 



River improvements. 
Early railroad history. 



Vote for new State house. 
Springfield's victory. 



Duels, arranged but never fought 181 



Hardin-Dodge. 

Smith-McClernand. 

Lincoln-Shields. 



Butler-Shields. 
Whitesides-Merriman» 
Financial difficulties. 



STORY. — Assassination of Lovejoy 182 

Biographical. — Thomas Carlin 185 

FORD'S ADMINISTRATION. 
Mormon difficulties; history of Nauvoo and inhabitants, 186 
Nauvoo Riots. j Smith assassinated. 

Smith arrested. | Mormons expelled. 

biographical. 
Thomas Ford. ] Joseph Smith. 

FRENCH'S ADMINISTRATION. 
War with Mexico; Illinois regiments formed 196 

Difficult marching. 



Illinois at Buena Vista. 



Illinois at Vera Cruz. 

" Cerro Gordo. 



Illinois & Michigan Canal 201 

State Policy War, between northern and southern sections, 201 

Central Railroad; early history; present advantage 204 

Biographical. — Augustus C. French 206 

MATTESON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



Liquor Rebellion. 
Douglas assailed by a mob. 



Early Republican party; 
First meeting, etc. 



Biographical. — Joel A. Matteson 211 

BISSELL'S ADMINISTRATION. 
Politics — Dishonesty, fraudulent schemes, apportionment, 212 
Lincoln-Douglas Senatorial contest 213, 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 



William H. Bissell. 
Abraham Lincoln. 



Stephen A. Douglas. 



YATES'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Precautions against Confederate invasion 225 

Party history during the war 226, 230, 233 



CONTENTS. 



13 



Rebellion. — Illinois bravery and engagements 

Lexington, 

Fredericktown 

Belmont, 

Fort Henry, 

Fort Donelson, 

Pea Ridge, 



New Madrid, 

Island No. 10, 

Shiloh, 

Corinth, 

Perryville, 

Murfreesboro, 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

John Pope. 



••225-233 
Vicksburg, 
Chickamauga, 
Lookout Mountain, 
Missionary Ridge, 
Expedition to Sea, 
Nashville, etc. 



Richard Yates. 
Ulysses S. Grant. 

OGLESBY'S ADMINISTRATION.— First. 
Lincoln's Assassination. | New Capitol building. 
Biographical. — Richard J. Oglesby 240 

PALMER'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Constitutional Convention; present Constitution 241 

Chicago fire; cause, account of, loss, etc 241 

Biographical. — ^John M. Palmer 246 

OGLESBY-BEVERIDGE'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Statutes of Illinois revised 247 

Greenback party ; early history of , etc 248, 237 

Biographical. — John L. Beveridge 249 

CULLOM'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Doctors leave Illinois; Board of Health, etc 251 

Tramp depredations; labor troubles 251 

Biographical. — Shelby M. Cullom 253 

CULLOM-HAMILTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Carlinville riots, political, etc • 254 

Biographical. — John M. Hamilton 255 

OGLESBY'S ADMINISTRATION.— Third. 
Haines and his Legislature 256 

Confused politicians. | Senatorial contest. 

!Labor troubles; troops called out; eight-hour movement, 258 

Anarchical troubles 258 



History of organization. 
Plan for Revolution. 



Haymarket tragedy. 
Arrests, trial, verdict, etc. 
Capitol building; history of its construction 260 

Jl^^Appendix not indexed. 



INTRODUCTION. 




AMERICAN ABORIGINES. 



^OW LONG AMERICA WAS SET- 
TLED before the strange vessels, com- 
manded by Columbus, hove in sight at 
San Salvador, October 12, 1492, w^e are 
unable to say. Probably it w^as inhabited 
as earl}^ as the beginning of the Christian 
era, and it is even possible that there were 
people upon the continent long before 
that period, though no records have yet 
been found to prove positively 'that such 
was the case. 
The First Inhabitants of North 

America built cities at least before the sixth cen- 
tury, A. D. These were after the pattern of Baby- 
lon, Memphis and other admired cities of ancient 
structure in the Old World. The buildings were 
provided with towers, arches and pillars, while 
the carving was neat and tasteful. What became 
of this nation, or nations, is not known ; they were 
probably driven southward, and may have settled 
in Peru where they began life anew ; or, a conta- 
gion or another nation may have destroyed them 
entirely, leaving onlv a iew ruins by which we can 
gain but a faint idea of them. 
The Second Kace inhabiting North America, and per- 
haps the first of the present State of Illinois, was the Mound 
Builders, a nation whose origin is as niysterious as its predeces- 



i6 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 



sors, but whose positive existence has been distinctly marked by 
structures. Their peculiar works of art consist of mounds or 
•embankments, distributed more numerously throughout the Val- 
ley of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers than in any other locality. 
Ohio alone contains 10,000 variously shaped figures of earth and 
stone, 1,500 of which are mounds. One in Adams County, of 
the same State, is almost one-half mile in length and represents 
a serpent, with mouth open, just uncoiling as if ready to make 
an attack. The design of the builders, generally, appears to have 
been to represent vicious animals. Most mounds are erected to 
a height of ten or twelve feet, upon the summit of which huge 
trees are now growing, demonstrating the theory of their antiq- 
uity and the habitation of the continent for many centuries. 

Within a number of these mounds have been found human 
skeletons, also vases of earthenware, or copper, in elegant de- 
signs; pipe bowls decorated with images of human heads, re- 
sembling, possibly, people of that race — probably the owner; 
ornaments of great beauty to put upon the person ; utensils to be 
used in and about the house ; hatchets of stone and copper, mica, 
shell and obsidian. These must have been arranged as burial 
places for the dead, with whom were interred articles used by 
them and offerings made by friends. The embankments were 
■doubtless thrown up as places of defense, often enclosing large 
areas which contain traces of ruined cities. One in Arkansas 
bounds just one square mile. Often mounds are arranged in 
symmetrical figures encompassing from twenty to fifty acres. 
Withm some enclosures cisterns are found. 

These people lived not as the savages found in Illinois but in 
settled communities, cultivating the soil. Their descendants, if 
any exist, are unknown for all traces of their identity have entirely 
disappeared. 

Third Race. — The inhabitants found in America by Co- 
lumbus and other early explorers were probably the third race 
\vhich took the place of the first and second by gradually 
moving from the regions farther north and mingling with those 
already upon the soil; thus forming the distinction between those 
of the United States and those of Mexico. When Cortez, a 
Spanish adventurer, entered the latter country he found it inhab- 



INTRODUCTION. I'J 

ited by a semi-civilized people. Montezuma, The Great King, 
sat upon his throne in all the splendor of a European monarch, 
surrounded by his sportsmen and scholars. Feasts were given, at 
which the beautiful women assembled in their gayest costumes. 
The people believed in a future state and cited legends telling of 
a time when water covered all the land, but their ideas were 
crude, coinciding in but few instances with the barbarian beliefs of 
the Old World. Offering sacrifice was common among them as 
with the children of Israel in the time of Moses, but their cannibal 
characteristics led them to the sacrifice of human beings captvu'ed 
in war. After these victims had been offered upon the summit 
of atemjDlein sight of a multitude and the throbbing hearts hung 
before the god within, the flesh was devoured in sumptuous feasts 
where dancing and rejoicing were in order. When Cortez con- 
quered this people he found them in possession of ornaments of the 
richest gold and precious stones which they said came from the 
northwest, no doubt referring to California; he also learned that 
the people once lived farther north. It therefore appears that 
tribes arrived in America at different times and came from the re- 
gions of Behring Strait. 

Central America and Peru were likewise inhabited 

by peoj^le who built houses and lived in communities where busi- 
ness was carried on in the form of barter. In the latter country 
was the great empire of the Incas who worshiped the sun. The 
origin of this people is like that of all Pagan nations, all history 
being shrouded by traditions. The most common legend of their 
civilization is, that at one time all the world was in barbarism; 
the people worshiped almost everything they saw; made war a 
pastime ; devoured the flesh of the captives, whom they preferred 
capturing alive. The sun, the great being that gave light to all 
the world, grew sad at such a spectacle, took compassion upon 
their degraded condition, united his children, Manco Capac and 
Mama Ocello Huaco, in marriage, and sent them to the earth to 
teach the people farming, weaving and other arts of peace. 
They gathered the natives together in assemblies who listened 
with a willing ear to messages from Heaven. As they congre- 
gated in great number the city of Cuzco was founded which 
grew to be very large. Children were instructed by parents 



l8 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and they in turn improved upon what they ah'eady knew; thus 
learned to make beautiful garments and raise large crops of maize. 

When a ruler died his funeral was celebrated with great pomp 
and solemnity. The bowels were taken from the body and de- 
posited in the temple of Tampu near Cuzco. With these his 
jewelry v^^as buried and a numbar of his attendants and concu- 
bines, amounting if popular, to a thousand persons. A season of 
general mourning would then be observed all over the land, at 
times causing the weak minded to become insane. 

The bodies of the Incas were embalmed with as much per- 
fection as those of Egypt, and were taken to the Royal Sanctu- 
ary, where they were arranged in lines, seated upon golden 
chairs. The building was brilliantly illuminated by a great light 
to imitate the sun. Queens were on one side and kings on the 
other; each in an upright position with the head inclined for- 
ward and hands crossed upon the lap. Here a king could see 
his ancestors almost as if they were living. He regarded them 
as having certain living traits. On occasion of certain festi- 
vals these sacred bodies were taken from their sanctuary and re- 
moved to the public square of Cuzco where rich feasts were 
spread while gold, silver and diamonds wei^e displayed in pro- 
fusion. Tlie dead were given the most prominent positions and 
were addressed as if living ; after which they were again returned 
to their resting place with ceremony. When one of the nobility 
" was called home to the mansion of his father, the sun," his house 
and property were closed forever and were not inherited by his 
posterity, each having to start anew in life. This being the cus- 
tom of the roval family other classes followed the practice. 

Indians of the Ullitecl States lived in a savage state. 
In place of stone houses tents were used to suit the shifting dis- 
position of a lazy lord. These humble structures were made of 
bark, grass, maize and hides of animals, requiring no time, skill 
nor ingenuity in their mechanism. No roads nor bridges were 
constructed, for he followed the foot-paths of comrades or of an- 
imals. His sole ambition leading him upon the war path, or 
in search of game, he took no delight in tilling the soil and 
believed such work to be fit only for woman. Brutal to his 
wife he compelled her and' his daughters to occupy the coldest 



INTRODUCTION. 



19 



and hardest beds while he, with all the majesty of a lord slept 
in state. Hence, while her lord roamed the wilds in sport or 
war, she, by the use of simple tools, cultivated her little field 
of maize. Laws, there were none; treaties were seldom kept, 
the sachem (chief) directing most of the plans of operation. 
Corresponding to Peruvian and Mexican priests were the " Med- 
icine men," who dressed in costumes to represent hideous ani- 
mals. These men were believed to have supernatural power, 
whose authority the other members of a tribe would not dare to 
disobey. These tribes believed in a Great Spirit that was all 
powerful and of a supreme existence. They feared a subordi- 
nate one, whose nature was evil doing to mankind. They believed 
the good spirit needed no prayer to induce him to watch over 
them, but that it was necessary to continually noticed the evil one. 
They looked forward to a future state where they could be happy 
with plenty of game and good fishing, besides they could dwell 
together in perfect peace. 

Several tribes entertained the idea, that to enter the " happy 
hunting-grounds " they would be compelled to walk an edged 
tool over a deep abyss. If wicked they would fall into the I'egions 
of the Evil Spirit, where they would toil and be whipped by the 
master who knew all they had ever done. The soul, they be- 
lieved, remained in the grave for a while after death: thus sev- 
eral tribes deposited food with the body at the time of burial 
and at stated intervals thereafter, until it was in an advanced 
state of decomposition. Dakota Indians enclosed their dead in 
skins and hung them in trees, and for the soul's subsistence 
during the supposed long journey to the future state, placed ves- 
sels of food by the aerial sepulchre. 

The Indians of Illinois prided themselves in painting 
their faces and arms fantastically, wearing in the hair, feathers, 
and upon the person, ornaments. Endurance of torture without 
an indication of pain was a pastime amusement; they practiced 
dexterously the use of the bow and arrow; their tomahawks 
were made of stone and this sharpened weapon they used to 
cut the hair and flesh from the head. A natural thirst for 
blood and scalps seemed to be bred in several tribes that f reqented 
Illinois soil. Often victims were scalped before dead. The 



30 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Kickapoos, Illinois, Miamis, Pottawatomies, Shawnees, Sacs and 
Foxes, and Winnebagoes all inhabited the present State of Illinois 
since its discovery. The Illinois composed five tribes — Kaskaskias, 
Cahokias, Tamaroas, Peorias and Metchegames, the latter living 
west of the Mississippi River. 

The Illinois w^ere the more peaceful and sympathetic. This 
nation was reduced by wars, genei-ally by Iroquois of the East, 
Siouxs on the northwest or Kickapoos and Sacs and Foxes on 
the north, until, in iSoo, they numbered but thirty able ■warriors. 
These took up a new home in Indian Territory in 1872, enu- 
merating but forty in all. 

Mascotine and Kickapoo are two names for the same 
tribe. A hostile disposition to the Whites manifested itself for 
150 years. In 1612 Champlain found them near Saginaw Bay; 
in 1669, Allouez visited them near the mouth of Fox River. 
This tribe lost over a thousand able men in 17 12, in attempting 
to reduce the fort at Detroit. Large villages stood at Danville and 
Bloomington, in Indiana near Logansport and Lafayette, also 
ajong the Embarras and Kaskaskia rivers. They were removed 
to reservations across the Mississippi soon after the War of 181 2. 

The Pottawatomies, Chippewas and Ottawas were origi - 
nally one nation, but became widely separated in after years. 
The Indian signification for Pottawatomy is " we are building a 
fire." This tribe was first found by t\\s French on an island in 
upper Lake Michigan and afterward between it and Green Bay. 
An early attachment was formed for the Whites, but later they 
became prejudiced against them and proved to be the main per- 
petrators of the horrible massacre at Fort Dearborn (Chicago). 
Pottawatomies were the last to leave for the West; those of 
Illinois departed in 1836. 

The Sacs and Foxes came from Canada where Black 
Hawk says his grandmother. Thunder, had been placed by the 
Great Spirit. After coming West this tribe carried on hostilities 
with other tribes until Governor Wm. H. Harrison put a stop 
to their ravages. In 1832 Black Hawk and his followers, two- 
thirds of the tribe, thought to regain their lands east of the Mis- 
sissippi River, which they had sold, and declared war against 
the settlers. He was defeated, captured and punished. 



INTRODUCTION. 21 

The Miamis formerly lived beyond the Mississippi River, 
but immigrated eastward as far as the center of Ohio. Becoming 
enraged at the French, about the middle of the eighteenth cen- 
tury, they ever after retained an enmity for that nationality. 
One tribe, that resided in Illinois, never faltered in their friendship 
to the Whites. The capital was at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. 

The Winnebagoes, noted for their bravery, fought desper- 
ately in the battle of Tippecanoe. They also threatened war 
against the Whites in 1827, and a portion joined Black Hawk in 
1S32, but the main body remained with their good chief, Naw- 
caw. They inhabited 'Illinois and by treaty at Fort Armstrono- 
(Rock Island) they ceded all their lands in the State to the 
United States, September 15, 1832. 

Indian Birthplace, as a race, will probably never be 
know^n. The strongest arguments offered by historians point 
to China as being the mother country. As America is nearer 
Asia than any other portion of theearly settled globe, it is no mere 
supposition that its prehistoric nations came from that country. 
Chinese vessels sailed along the continent of Eastern Asia for 
thousands of miles bevond any settlements and it is within the 
bounds of reason to suppose that these vessels reached the oppo- 
site shores of Behring Strait, which is but twenty-eight miles 
wide and has several small island. Vessels may have coasted 
along these strange shores and the mariner found the climate 
pleasant, and fit for the residence of man. If such be true, the 
colonization fever may have brought a tribe to America. It is 
even more than probable that tribes arrived at different times as 
the indications are of three different races inhabiting the United 
States centuries apart. The first building houses, the second 
earthworks and the latter tents. 

AMERICA DISCOVERED AND SETTLED BY EUROPEANS. 

Mysteries. — One of the greatest mysteries to Europeans, at 
an early date, and especially to navigators, was the endless oceans 
surrounding the lands known to them. Curiosity being excited 
bold theories w^ere advanced as to the limit of these mightv bodies 
of water. The numberless stories, often repeated, all tended to 
increase the dread of voyaging beyond known islands, lest vessels 



-2 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

might be carried by wind and wave so far that a return would 
be impossible, or, a still worse calamity, be driven by storm over 
an awful abyss beyond. The imagination was not slow in the 
mystified people, and they vaguely pictured regions of goblins 
and hideous monsters. A few bold seamen and an equipment 
of vessels were needed to confirm or confute these ideas, for a 
man had placed himself before the people i^eady to solve the 
perplexing question; a man whose mind soared above the idea that 
our earth had ends and sides. 

Christopher Colvinihus not only believed the earth to 
be round but offered to risk his life in defense of his theory. He 
said by sailing westward he could reach the eastern shores of Asia, 
believing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to be one broad ex- 
panse of water. His belief was both ridiculed and considered. As 
he claimed that by sailing westward but a few leagues he could 
reach land, a fleet was secretly sent out to test the short route to 
Asia as he proposed, but it returned pronouncing the project a 
failure. Columbus could not yet willingly give up his theorv 
and with much difficulty persuaded the crown of Spain, Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella, to furnish him an equipment of vessels and 
men and set sail, reaching land October 12, 1492. The voyage 
proved his theory as to the sh^Tpe of the earth but the discovery of 
another continent was infinitely more glorious than his ambition 
had pictured, hoping only to shorten the route to Eastern Asia. 
Other vessels immediately hastened forward from Spain, also 
from other nations. 

Other Discoveries soon followed. A great eagerness 
prevailed in Europe to learn more about the New World and 
to gain in it territory. Many vessels began plowing the 
broad Atlantic in search of suitable localities to trade with In- 
dians and mine gold. The exploration fever subsided with the 
following results: 

The Spaniards had examined the coast along the Gulf of 
Mexico on all sides: DeSoto had traversed the Southern 
States, penetrating more than 200 miles inland ; Cortez had 
conquered Mexico and Pizarro Peru. Settlements were made 
in Florida and New Mexico before Illinois was discovered. 

The French sent out vessels also, which sailed farther north. 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

Cartier passed through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, up the river 
of the same name and visited a thriving Indian town upon the 
site of Montreal. In 1608 Champlain established a trading post 
at the present site of Quebec. This region, called Nevv^ France, 
became rapidly settled. 

The English explored the Atlantic coast of North America 
much of its length; hence claimed Virginia, a boundless territory 
reaching westward. Settlements were made by them near the 
Potomac River and in the New England and Middle States. 

The Dutch also settled New York but gave up their terri- 
tory in 1664, thus leaving the English, French and Spanish as 
claimants of North America. 

Settleilieilts had been made before the discovery of Illi- 
nois in Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, 
Maryland, the Carolinas, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, 
Rhode Island, Maine and Florida. 

The Subject of this Work shall be our next topic, the 
history of which divides itself into four distinct periods; viz.. 
Discovery Period, extending from 1 670, the discovery by Perrot, 
to 16S2, the settlement at Kaskaskia; Settlement Period, from 
1682, the settlement of Kaskaskia, to 17S7, when the Northwest 
Territory was organized; Territorial Period, from 17S7, the or- 
ganization of the Northwest Territory, to 1S18, the admission of 
Illinois to the Union; State Period, from the admission of Illinois 
as a State to the present time. 

STORY. 
Montezvima and His People lived in Mexico. This 

race is known to have inhabited that region between 1200 and 
15 19 when the Spaniards arrived. This nation, known as Aztecs, 
was barbarous but in advance of theother tribes of North Amer- 
ica. Hieroglyphics were used quite extensively, and by them they 
reckoned events accurately. They kept a calendar year and 
divided it into eighteen months of twenty days each, adding five 
days to the last to make out the 365. They cultivated the land, 
introduced maize and cotton ; built roads, erected large monuments 
to the dead, and built temples and cities, their ruins remaining to 
this day, telling of the race that early inhabited that country. 



24 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

They knew how to fuse metals, cut and polish the hardest stones, 
fabricate earthenware and weave garments. They believed in a 
supreme, invisible creator of all things, the ruler of the universe. 
Under this supreme being stood thirteen chiefs and 200 inferior 
divinities, all of whom they worshiped, setting apart a day for 
each god. The leading god, the Mexican Mars, was the more 
sacred, and to him were built temples in every town. These were 
their largest structures, were nicely furnished and contained rich 
ornaments of gold and precious stone. 

Cortez, who was the first white to visit them, gives to the 
world the best account of Aztec life. He was a bad man. Com- 
ing from Spain in search of wealth, he learned that this people 
had golden idols, golden furniture, golden palaces and sparkling 
diamonds. Of these he wanted to rob them, pretending to be a 
friend. His army of a few hundred men was met by an army of 
as many hundred-thousand of the great Montezuma Empire, but 
he never failed to put it to flight. 

When Cortez drew near the capital Montezuma decided to 
give up his empire, saving the time had now arrived, according 
to traditional prophecy, that the ruler from where the sun arose 
should come and claim his country. He therefore called his 
casiques together and said: "You have been faithful vassals of 
mine during the many years that I have sat upon the throne of 
my fathers. I now expect that you will show me this act of 
obedience by acknowledging the great king beyond the waters 
to be your lord also, and that you will pay tribute in the same 
manner as you have hitherto done me." Great tears wei'e then 
flowing down his cheeks and his voice was choked with emo- 
tion. His noblos did not yield to his request, seeing that his 
heart was not in the decision, and it was not until three-fourths 
of the populace were killed, starved or subjected to pestilence 
by this murderous band of Spaniards that the country was sub- 
jugated. Thus the nation was lost forever. 

When Montezuma admitted the Spaniards to the city and 
before the nobles began organizing for war they visited the tem- 
ple where a sight met then* eyes more sickening than their own 
barbarities. Upon a platform stood a large image with broad 
face, wide mouth and terrible eyes. He was covered with 



INTRODUCTION. 



25 



golden serpents ; on his neck, fitting ornaments, were the faces 
of men wrought in silver and their hearts in gold. Close by 
were braziers and incense, and on these braziers hung three 
hearts of men who had been sacrificed the day before. The 
smell was like that of a lion's den. To supply offerings to this 
god, war was waged upon neighboring tribes and victims were 
captured rather than scalped, as was the practice of their North- 
ern brothers. 

Certain feast days were observed at which gayly dressed 
women assembled with all the dignity of a French court, the 
greater feast day being to the war god. Prisoners were pro- 
vided with all the luxuries of an Indian life after captivity, that 
they might be well fatted. Upon the gala day they were 
brought forth one by one, taken to the summit of the temple 
and laid upon an altar before their slayer. A keen knife was 
drawn over the chest, the heart torn from its enclosure and has- 
tily conveyed below to be hung before the god for whoin sacri- 
fice was made. Bodies were then sliced, cooked and the feast 
spread. During the year preceding the Spanish entrance, their 
records show that 20,000 had met their fate in this way. 

Aztecs were a social, kindhearted people when on friendly 
terms and always respected a superior in intellect, from whom 
they were eager to obtain knowledge. 





DISCOVERY PERIOD. 




EARLY EXPLORERS. 



REIVCH MISSIONAKIES in the 

seventeenth century were resokite work- 
ers and came to America to seek and to 
save souls among the Indians. The 
headquarters for their missions were at 
Montreal where a cathedral was built 
and a school established. Thither oth- 
ers of France flocked, some devoting 
their attention to teaching, some to trad- 
ing, while others consecrated their exclu- 
sive time to the welfare of the Red Man. 

Catholic priests, called Jesuit Missionaries, early- 
penetrated westward as far as safety would permit, 
at the same time allow a speedy return at almost any 
moment. They traversed the regions of the Great 
Lakes and established missions in various localities. 
All these did much good and gained popularity with 
traders who soon followed. Lovable natures, tender 
words and honest intentions can soften even the heart 
of a savage and the good these devoted men did can 
never be questioned. 

Discovery. — Among the missionaries who jour- 
neyed hundreds of miles beyond the most distant points 
reached by Englishmen was Father Allouez. Impa- 
tient and anxious to learn more of the condition of the inhabitants, 
he had traversed much of the lake region and made inquiry 



28 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

about the tribes beyond. In 1667 he learned of the Illinois 
Indians whom he greatly desired to visit, and it is said that he 
penetrated southward through Wisconsin, reaching the north- 
west boundary of the present State in search of the " Mesasippi " 
(Great River). 

On returning he conceived the propriety of holding a great 
peace conference on Green Bay for the purpose of uniting the 
tribes of the West and getting a permit to visit them. For this 
purpose he sent Nicholas Perrot to the site of the present city of 
Chicago to invite a tribe in that region to the meeting. Perrot 
arrived at this now busy spot in the fall of 1670 and was proba- 
bly the first white man to set his foot upon Illinois soil. As no 
written description was given nor maps drawn, and as the dis- 
coverer did not penetrate into the State, but little importance is 
attached to the event. 

MARQUETTE AND JOLIET. 

Tlie First Exjilorers of Illinois were Marquette and 
Joliet ; the former a Jesuit priest, the latter a French trader. 
They were desirous of visiting the Indians along the Mississippi 
and the river bearing tne same name as the tribe. Accordingly 
these two gentlemen joined company, procured men and. May 
13, 1673, left Mackinaw for the mouth of Fox River, which 
they ascended as far as possible, when they shouldered their ca- 
noes and scanty supplies and carried them to the Wisconsin, but 
four miles distant. In talking over the long journey before 
them the guides lost courage and, believing the stories they had 
heard of the huge monsters inhabiting the banks of the stream 
farther south and of the dangerous whirlpools, they refused to 
accompany the expedition any farther, trembling at the idea of 
any mortal undertaking such a hazardous trijD. After bidding 
the Indians a friendly farewell and thanking them for their kind 
warnings and information, Alarquette and his party glided slow- 
ly down the untried stream. 

The spectacle before them was indeed a beautiful one. The 
broad stream was almost without a ripple, while the soft breeze 
kissed their faces and occasionally stroked their hair; on either 
bank were the vine clad hills and nature's forests alive with sing- 



DISCOVKllV PERIOD. 29 

ing birds whose notes broke the monotonous stiUness of the val- 
ley; upon the prairies beyond the graceful deer were feeding, 
now and anon liaising their heads as if their confidence in per- 
fect peace were weak even in their beautiful pastures where all 
nature seemed to unite for the promotion of their welfare. Such 
scenes led them to think of the beauties they were yet to behold; 
of the great river they hoped to explore. 

The Mississippi. ^^June 17, 1673, their curiosity was dispelled, 
for before them lay the long-talked-of stream. The color of 
the water betokened far off regions different from any they had 
yet seen and they determined that this land, too, should be unit- 
ed to New France and belong to the crown of the mother coun- 
try forever. The indications were that it had once been a larg- 
er stream than as they beheld it. The channel wound through 
a valley, probably two miles wide, bounded by bluffs that had 
the appearance of having formerly been its banks. " Where 
does this river orio^inate and into what does it flow?" ^vas eagfer- 
ly asked. "We will find out," said Marquette, "but we must 
not forget our mission, the souls of the Red men of the forest." 
Their bark moved out upon the stream. On every turn in its 
course the men gazed forward as far as their eyes could reach, 
but only to rest them upon bluffs. They watched the banks for 
human beings with whom they desired to mingle, pvuxhase sup- 
plies and gain a full description of the country through which 
they were passing, in order to complete a map of the newly dis- 
covered territory. The presence of savages to the early settler 
was a horror but to the explorer it was regarded as a benefit. 

The Illinois. — Their careful search was rewarded, when a 
hundred miles below the present northern boundary of the State, 
"by the sight of footprints which told them they were near in- 
habitants. Carefully securing their canoes by fastening them 
to trees, they ascended the bank and followed a path through 
the forest. They soon discovered a village of happy Indians 
whom they approached with open hands and friendly hearts. 
Four elder Indians advanced to meet them. We would do great 
injustice to the men of the forest if we were to accuse them of 
acting in the least selfish toward their white visitors. The 
men were conducted to the town ^vhere they enjoyed the fullest 



30 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

confidence of their hosts. They were presented to the chief 
with all the dignity of an introduction to a higher officer in a 
civilized nation. He questioned them regarding their country- 
men of the East and assured them of an everlasting friendship. 
He presented the peace pipe and thereupon, that bright June 
morn, Frenchmen smoked with the Illinois Indians whom 
early traders' and missionaries had longed to visit. It was 
urged upon them to visit another village where the Great 
Chief of the Illinois resided, and as they journeyed thither, many 
followed, gazing upon the priestly costumes and watching their 
graceful movements as compared to their own rude manners. 
Their visit was announced to the " Great Chief " who sat in his 
large tent surrounded by dignitaries of the tribe. The French 
told him of their journey westward to visit the tribes along the 
Great Rivei", talked about the power of their ruler in Canada 
and of his subduing Iroquois and other Eastern tribes. Western 
nations were glad to hear of the conquest of this nation, whom 
they feared because of power and skill in warfare, as taught them 
by Englishmen. This increased the warmth of the reception. He 
said that their presence added flavor to his tobacco, made rivers 
calmer, the sky more serene and the earth itself more beautiful; 
besides gave encouragement for a happy and peaceful future. 

A Feast. — The chief ordered a feast to be spread before the 
strangers and as the party had journeyed for many days in a 
wilderness on scanty food, the well-prepared repast of hominy, 
fish, deer, buffalo and dog's meat was indulged in with relish. 

Upon benches arranged in a semi-circle the guests were seated 
and conversed freely with the hospitable hosts. Servants busied 
themselves bringing the smoking morsel and-, after cooling by 
blowing their breaths upon it, sometimes tasting to make sure 
of not burning, placed the food into the hungry mouths. 

Other Discoveries. — Endeavors were made to persuade 
the French of dangers in continuing farther down the river, 
fearing they would form treaties with other tribes along the 
route, thus depriving them of a full advantage in trading; 
also give to others a protection proffered them. Finding per- 
suasion imj^ossible they gathered about the French to the num- 
ber of 700 or 750, in military array, and formed a complimentary 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. Jl 

escort to the river. After a kind farewell they watched the 
boats until they vanished from view down the stream. 

Illinois River did not then receive their attention but upon 
reaching the Missouri they were puzzled. Here poured forth 
another large stream of muddy water in a strong current, bearing 
trees and other rubbish. Its source must be in an unknown land. 
Soon after passing the Ohio they saw another tribe upon the 
banks, beckoning for them to- land. Again they were treated 
kindly, but made to believe it would only require ten days to 
reach the mouth of the river. 

Hostile Indians — Some days after, on nearing Arkansas 
River, their attention was again called to the bank by a party 
of Indians in a hostile attitude and who' put out in boats as if to 
capture them. At once the French realized their danger and 
were on the verge of destruction w^hen chiefs appeared, di- 
rected them to land and commanded the braves to be patient. The 
chiefs conducted tlie party to camp and listened to their story at- 
tentively. They kept them over night, giving them their best 
bunks. In the morning they w^ere allowed to depart and amid 
friendly demonstrations, besides messengers had been sent ten 
miles below to apprise the Guachoya tribe, in whose territory 
DeSoto died 130 years before, of the arrival of Frenchmen. 
Here, the following day, July 2, they were again highly rever- 
enced, though in the midst of a most barbarous tribe. Men 
wore no clothing and women only girded themselves with ani- 
mal skins. Food was of the coarsest quality and such as only a 
brute or savage would enjoy feasting upon. These dishes arrived 
before the visitors in almost countless numbers, and not to have 
partaken of them would have been an insult to their hosts. 
Notwithstanding the unpleasant surroundings, upon finding an 
Indian that could speak the Illinois tongue, Marquette joroclaimed 
to them his doctrine of the Christian faith and told them of the 
God above, who witnesses all that is said and done. This they 
received in astonishment which, together with the information 
about Canada, led them to consider the French a great people 
and to wonder at their knowledge. 

At this juncture the party questioned the propriety of continu- 
ing farther south. They feared Spaniards, whom they learned 



32 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



were somewhere near, even more than Indians and, July 17, 
departed for the Illinois, having been on the river nearly five 
weeks. When nearing Illinois Marquette became ill and lin- 
o-ered some days before being able to resume his journey home- 
ward. They learned that by going up Illinois River they could 
reach Lake Michigan by a shorter and easier route. In so doing 
they were able to add to the map more interior and give a better 
description of the finest prairie country of the globe. Several 
tribes were visited as they passed through the State, among them 
the friendly Kaskaskias who proffered the service of guides to 
the lake. 

Marquette remained at the mission on Green Bay and Joliet 
hastened to Canada with the maps and j^apers describing the 
expedition. Misfortunes increase as we near the end. When 
at the rapids above Montreal, and within a few miles of its des- 
tination, the boat capsized. All documents together with two 
men found a watery grave, and Joliet barely escaped being 
also drowned. He, however, told his story which caused all 
Canada to rejoice, and the news, in glowing colors, conveyed to 
France. Marquette returned to Illinois to establish a mission at 
Kaskaskia, departing from. Mackinaw with two companions, 
October 25, 1674. He sailed down Lake Michigan to Chicago 
River, upon the banks of which he took hemoi'rhage and died 
before reaching the missions again. Joliet never returned. 

LA SALLE, TONTI AND HENNEPIN. 

New France. — In their early discoveries and settlements 
Frenchmen had confined themselves to more northern regions 
and especially along St. Lawrence River. All territory in Amer- 
ica belonging by right of discovery, had been christened New 
France and began enlarging to unlimited boundary. Of this 
Couracelles was Governor until 1672, when Frontenac, a bold 
General, succeeded him. Governor Frontenac was a kind-hearted, 
liberal man. He desired to improve and increase the French 
domain and welcomed to his audience persons with plans for 
pushing farther westward. 

La Salle, a young man not yet thirty years old, had gained 
the favor of Governor Frontenac by his good demeanor and 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 33 

prudent plans foi* western colonization. The Iroquois Indians 
of New York were at war with the western tribes and as the 
former were trading with the English, La Salle argued that the 
latter should be secured as allies of the French. He became 
enthusiastic upon the subject and in 1673 erected a fort at the 
head of Lake Ontario near the source of St. Lawrence River 
and named it Frontenac in honor of his friend, the Governor. 
At that time French settlers were forbidden the erection of like 
defences but the plans of La Salle were in accordance with the 
better judgment of leading officials; thus nothing was done in 
opposition and the fort was allowed to stand. He visited France 
the following year (1674) to secure aidf f rom the king in estab- 
lishing missions and trading posts throughout the country be- 
yond the Great Lakes, but his projects were defeated by persons 
secretly plotting against him. For several years he was a disap- 
pointed man. 
Preparations for the West. — In 167S La Salle again 

visited France with new plans, new arguments and a better 
knowledge of the broad field stretching westward, which he laid 
before the king. His ideas were approved and he was given a 
company of thirty men, among whom were skilled tradesmen 
and hardy laborers ; a good store of tools for the building of ves- 
sels and forts; and supplies in the shape of blankets, provisions, 
and trinkets with which to trade with the Indians. By a liberal 
expenditure of his own money, together with this outfit, he was 
well equipped for the enterprise. Upon St. Lawrence River 
he erected a vessel to carry supplies and trade between Fort 
Frontenac and Niagara Falls. The boat was of lo-ton burden, 
contained a deck and departed on its first trip Nov. 17, 1678. 
At Niagara the erection of a fort Avas begun, but owing to hos- 
tilities of Seneca Indians of that lacality, incited by personal ene- 
mies, only a store house for shelter was completed. Another 
vessel was ordered built to sail from Niagara Falls to the west- 
ern extremity of the lakes. About the time all material was in 
readiness La Salle was called to Montreal where he was detained 
by conspirators trying to destroy his reputation and credit by 
circulating false stories. 

He had brought with him on his return from France an Ital- 



34 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ian, Henri Tonti, who had lost a hand in the Sicilian wars, but 
a noble and trustworthy young man. He was of great value in 
this undertaking because of his firm, reliable disposition and was 
well qualified to carry out the plans of his senior in ofiice. To 
him was entrusted the building of the vessel above Niagara Falls 
and which was afterward known as the Grifiin. Material for 
this boat was carried a distance of twelve miles, up rocky 
heights, to a point above the cataract, where it was deposited 
and work commenced. Before it was comjoleted a band of Sen- 
ecas set it on fire but it was only partially consumed before the 
flames were extinguished. All damages were repaired and a 
few days after the return of La Salle it was finished, presenting 
a beautiful appearance. It was mounted with five cannons 
pointed through port holes. Ui^on the prow was the carving of 
an animal partially resembling an eagle and partially resembling 
a lion. This peculiar looking figure amazed the Senecas who 
regarded it with awe. 

The First Vessel upon the Great Lakes beyond 

Niagara was the Grifiin, launched August 7, 1679, in the pres- 
ence of almost the entire tribe of Senecas. Cannons were fired 
xis she spread her sails to the breeze and she smoothly glided 
westward toward the Land of the Illinois. Her sails shone at a 
great distance and as she sped across Lake Erie savages stood 
upon the shores, gazing in wonder at the strange spectacle. 
Her course was directed to the Jesuit settlement on the Strait of 
Mackinaw. Here the crew landed and returned thanks for 
their safe deliverance, for they had encountered severe storms, 
especially upon Lake Huron. 

Difficulties. — Arrests. — Before the expedition started, fif- 
teen men had been ordered to Lake Michigan with merchan- 
dise to trade with the Indians, directed to take all furs received 
to the Illinois tribes where they were to remain until the com- 
mander could arrive with his men upon the boat. Instead of 
carrying out these plans some of the party sold their furs and 
joined other traders. Information of this perfidy was gained 
by La Salle when he arrived at Mackinaw. He at once pro- 
ceeded to arrest the offenders, four of whom he captured with- 
out much difliculty and two others were taken by Tonti at the 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 35 

Straits of St. Mary. This was a bold move as the traders at 
Mackinaw mission were jealous of him, fearing he would 
take from them honors that they themselves wished to enjoy. 
The Indians were also incited against him, yet his daring, 
forward manner prevented any from laying hands on him or 
carrying out plans for assassination. 

Immediately after Tonti's return the party with "boat fort," 
as the Indians termed the Griffin, sailed into Lake Michigan. 
They visited a small island in Green Bay where they met a few 
more of the fifteen traders that had been sent West before them. 
These had been faithful to their commander, having collected 
large stores of furs and deposited them in a safe place until the 
proprietor's arrival. It afforded a happy moment for a dark 
hour. IMuch money had been expended and no income derived 
to satisfv creditors who already began to complain. To make 
amends and insure future loans the Griffin was laden with a cargo 
sufficient to make La Salle a rich man. It was in the middle of 
September and the danger of sailing a vessel, especially a frail 
one, was great, yet nothing could change the orders. Parting 
salutes were fired from the vessel as she bade adieu to the West. 

Dangers upon Lake Michigan. — La Salle and his men 
departed for the mouth of St. Joseph River, Michigan, where 
Tonti and men had promised to arrive, coming overland. They 
were now in small boats upon turbulent Lake Michigan threat- 
ened with destruction. Often the little barks were on the point 
of sinking, but, through desperate exertions of the men, water 
would be bailed out before exposed to another dip. Gales blew 
on several occasions for two days before abating, rendering it 
impossible for them to eat their saturated food, or land amid 
bounding breakers for fresh supplies. 

Trouble with Indians. — At one landing indications of 
aborigines were visible though none put in an appearance until 
one of the number shot a bear. The report was heard by a band 
of hunters who followed the men to camp. They waited until 
nightfall, then crept to the beach where the valuables had been 
stored, and carried off several articles. However, a dusky form 
was seen sneaking near and an alarm given. When it became 
evident that they had been discovered they made apologies. 



36 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

saying they were only trying to discover if the party were 
friends or foes, and desired to smoke the calumet of peace. It 
was not until they had departed that the theft was discovered ; 
then, taking a few men, La Salle started in pursuit. Two war- 
riors were captured but one was released to carry a message to 
his chief, stating that the stolen goods should at once be returned 
or the captive would be put to death. As part of the articles 
had been lost on the way it was impossible to return all, so the 
chief determined to re-capture the prisoner. La Salle drew up 
his little band upon an eminence where no rock nor tree afforded 
shelter for the savages and awaited the attack. It was evident 
to the Indians that they could not reach their adversaries with 
arrows without exposing themselves to the deadly fire of the ri- 
fles. Father Hennepin was then sent to them, clothed in his 
priestly gown, when they proposed to return what goods they 
could and pay for the others. Thus the affair terminated satis- 
factorily. 

Scarcity of Food. — On landing at St. Joseph River the 
hearts of the little company failed them. They wanted to push 
forward to the Illinois tribes to procure corn for the approach- 
ing winter, that locality having lately been visited by famine; 
but La Salle could not agree to this, for he had sent Tonti anoth- 
ter route and he, with his men, had not yet arrived. In order, 
largelv, to keep his men in good spirits he apprised them of the 
importance of a fort at the point where the GrifHn was to return, 
now St. Joseph, and set them to work in its construction, con- 
trary to their wishes. However it served as a barrier to de- 
spondency, though the delay caused great suffering for want of 
food and proper shelter at that season. 

On the expiration of twenty days a portion of Tonti's men 
arrived without food nor merchandise, but sore and tired. By 
December 3, 1679, all had arrived. Without completing the 
fort, named Miami in honor of Indians near by, this small band 
of French explorers and traders, numbering in all thirty-three 
persons, set out for the great hunting grounds of the Illinois 
although winter had already stripped the forests of green foliage 
and begun forming ice upon rivers. 

La Salle Lost. — The route taken was up St. Joseph 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 



0/ 



River to the site of South Bend, Indiana, thence by huid to the 
headwaters of Kankakee River. With the company was a 
Mohcgan hunter, for a guide, who also helped to supply them 
with meat. As he was out hunting, La Salle undertook to find 
the path leading from one river to the other without awaiting 
his return. He started boldly Into the forest but, becoming be- 
wildered, lost the directions and could not find his way back. 
Encountering a swamp, he endeavored to make its circuit and 
I'each camp, but evening came on, thus frusti'ating his design. 
By firing his gun he aroused an Indian who had built a fire and 
had cuddled down beside it. He called in several dialects, 
but the poor fellow was evidently frightened and fled. On com- 
ing up to the spot a nice bed of grass dexterously arranged and 
yet warm lay before him. He took full possession and was 
soon wrapped in deep slumbers. In the morning he resumed 
his journey and reached camp in safety, carrying two ojDossums 
which he had killed with a club. During his absence Tonti and 
his men had engaged in a diligent search for him and it was 
with much joy that they welcomed his arrival. 

Ljaiicl of the Illinois. — The journey was resumed the 
day following La Salle's return and, Dec. 12, 1679, they first 
beheld the present State of Illinois, their course being along 
Kankakee and Illinois rivers. During this interval of twenty- 
one days, their encouragements alternated with discouragements. 
When the Mohegan hunter returned he was not laden with 
game; on the contrary had been wholly unsuccessful. They 
had been out of meat for some time and the men were growinof' 
weak and faint. Their spirits were only kept up by the grand- 
eur of the country spread before them. Here a cliff studded 
with rocks and shrubbery, sometimes rising to a considerable 
height; there a level prairie stretching away toward the horizon, 
upon which could be seen, in the distance, animals for the chase 
—large buffalo, tender deer and savage bear, any of which they 
would have devoured with a keen relish; while on everv hand 
lay unmistakable signs of a country rich in facilities if the prop- 
er means were employed to improve upon these gifts of nature. 
La Salle, too, had a monppoly on buffalo skins, as none but he 
could ship them. At times they could see, as far as the eye 



38 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

could reach, camp fires burning brightly and forms about them 
cooking and devouring what they themselves so much desired, 
fresh meat with a flavor they knew would even satisfy the appe- 
tite of King Louis. At one time they found a huge buffalo bull 
mired in snow and mud, struggling to escape. He w^as killed 
and with the united force of twelve men and the use of pulleys 
was extricated from his prison. The flesh was sliced and served 
them for food several da}'s. 

Father Hennepin Hears Mass. — Out in the wilderness, 

hundreds of miles from civilized people, they did not forget their 
Maker, but on January i, 16S0, landed and heard mass. Though 
the day was as cold as Illinois winters usually get, they bowed 
reverently to their God and with thankful hearts arose, wishing 
each other a happy new year. Father Hennepin, a Jesuit 
priest and then typical of Father Marquette, conducted services 
and after mass gave a lengthy talk, especially impressing upon 
them the importance of keeping together, dwelling upon the 
bravery required to endure the hardships of wilds by which they 
were completely surrounded. He spoke of honors to be conferred 
ujDon them upon their return to France; but overlooked the 
thought of reverence to be paid them by future generations, and 
how much their kind acts would be treasured as historical gems. 

Welcome. — The first sign of inhabitants of the country 
was a deserted village near the present town of Rock Fort, La 
Salle County, where they arrived December 26, 1679. Here 
a principal city of the Illinois stood as a summer residence but 
its inhabitants had evidently migrated to a different locality. 
Corn was found secreted in a cave. To this they helped them- 
selves, taking in all fifty bushels, in hope of finding the owners 
and amply rewarding them. 

January 3, 16S0, they reached the expansion of Illinois River, 
now known as Peoria Lake, and shortly afterward beheld smoke 
rising from the forests below, knowing themselves to be in pres- 
ence of human beings. An Indian village was pitched just south 
of the lake and was surrounded by snow-covered hills. At this 
little village, immediatety where Peoria now stands. La Salle 
landed. By his tact and straightforward manner, he secured 
kind treatment after allaving the fright of the inhabitants at the 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 39 

strange, warlike appearance of his band. After presenting the 
calumet of peace the men were taken within tents and were even 
caressed, while a rich feast was being prepared. When the 
meal was ready, servants fed the party from their hands, placing 
within the mouths bit after bit. Others took off their shoes, 
washed their feet and annointed the soles with bear's oil. As 
may be imagined this warm reception was heartily appreciated 
by the French. La Salle immediately entered into negotiations 
to establish a trading post at this point and erect a fort. This 
privilege was at first denied him, but upon telling them he 
would pass on down the river and trade with Osage Indians, as 
he had offered to do with them, the requests were granted from 
the fact that they were jealous of that tribe; also they believed 
the French might prove a benefit to their future prosperity in 
buying furs and assisting them to prevent an Iroquois invasion. 

Rebellion. — Up to this time, although La Salle's task had 
been wearisome and his journey beset by dangers, he had gener- 
ally been prosperous: he had pushed forward into a wilderness 
1 ,500 miles beyond any settlements ; he had examined the country, 
erected forts and gained the friendship of many savage tribes. 
Now fortune seemed to frown upon all his undertakings: his 
men were almost exhausted and appeared utterly disgusted with 
the expedition ; they doubted that any good would result from 
this, to them, aimless wandering in the wilderness, cut off from 
all friends, surrounded by savages and exposed to hunger and 
cold. Finally this dissatisfaction grew to open murmurs against 
their leader whom they condemned as a foolish adventurer. 

La Salle perceived that discontent had sprung up which 
might result in mischief if not at once quelled, that a storm was 
impending and must be calmed. He went into their midst 
and assuring them of his good intentions and the certainty of 
ultimate success; he pointed them to the prospect of glory and 
of wealth; he reminded them of the success of Spaniards in 
Mexico and Peru, but they were not to be appeased. A doubt 
w^as expressed that they would ever receive any reward for such 
protracted slavery, misery and indigence other than hardships, 
starvation and an unknown grave; they asked what could be 
expected as the result of a ramble, almost to the confines of the 



40 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



earth, but to be obliged to return poorer and more miserable 
than ever; they said the only means of avoiding the impending 
calamity was to return while they had sufficient strength for the 
journey. They proposed to abandon La Salle to his laborious 
and useless discoveries, as they termed them, but feared that he, 
by his intelligence and influence, would find means of appre- 
hending and punishing them as deserters; besides it was impos- 
sible to proceed without provisions or resources of any kind. It 
was then suggested to cut up the tree by the roots — to end their 
misery by the death of its author. They finally determined to 
incite the Indians against him, hoping to reap the advantage to 
be derived from his murder without actually appearing to have 
participated in the crime. 

The intriguers approached the Indians with false stories; tell- 
ing them that La Salle had entered into negotiations with the 
Iroquois, their greatest enemies, who would descend upon them 
in mighty hosts. This story was generally believed. La Salle,, 
discovering that something was wrong among his hosts by 
their expressions and lack of trust, inquired into and learned the 
cause of the fresh trouble. He assured them of the impossibility 
of his being in league with a tribe at so great a distance. His 
manner quieted them and their suspicions were lulled for the 
time. 

This peace was of short duration. An emissary had been 
secretly sent from a neighboring tribe, the Mascoutins, to the 
Illinois to stir them up against La Salle and his party. By great 
art he almost convinced them that this man was in alliance with 
the Iroquois, and well nigh succeeded in his efforts to induce them 
to destroy the whole band, his story tallying with the one pre- 
viously circulated by the disaffected among their own company. 
The suspicions wdiich La Salle, by his candor and address, had 
allayed were revived and the chiefs spent the night in delibera- 
tion. In the morning all the delusory hopes he had entertained, 
on the apparent return of confidence, were dispelled. He per- 
ceived the cold reserve of the chiefs, the ill-concealed distrust 
and indignation of all, but his endeavors to discover the imme- 
diate cause of the change were unsuccessful and he began to 
think of the propriety of intrenching his party in a fortification. 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 4I 

Alarmed and surprised, unable to remain in suspense, he boldly 
advanced into the midst of the Indians, gathered here and there 
in groups, and, speaking their language sufficiently well to be 
understood, he demanded the cause of the coolness and distrust 
visible upon their brows. He said, " Last evening we parted in 
peace and friendship; today I find you armed and some of vou 
ready to fall upon me. I stand here in your midst, unarmed 
and alone, a willing sacrifice to your vengeance if I can be con- 
victed of any designs against you." 

Moved by his open and undaunted demeanor, the Indians 
pointed to the deputy of the Mascoutins who, they said, had 
been sent to apprise them of schemes and connections with their 
enemies. Rushing fearlessly toward him. La Salle demanded 
his evidence or reason for this alleged plot. The Mascoutin 
coldly replied, that in circumstances where the safety of a nation 
was concerned full evidence was not always required to convict 
suspicious characters; that the slightest circumstances often jus- 
tified precautions, and that he considered it his duty to remove 
all possibility of harm from his friends. 

La Salle finally gave sufficient assui'ance of his honest inten- 
tions, lack of hostile designs against them and the utter impossi- 
bility of any connection with the Iroquois. A good understand- 
ing with this tribe was at length restored and his own men be- 
came so far reconciled that they agreed to remain at the fort on 
duty. Notwithstanding, they w^ere still inclined to defeat the 
object of further expeditions, at one time venturing so far as to 
attempt the destruction of leaders by putting poison in the food. 

Fort Crevecoeur (Broken Heart©**^. — Seeing all 

other plans fail to induce La Salle and his followers to abandon 
an expedition down the Illinois River, thence exploring the Mis- 
sissippi from its source to its mouth, as previously planned, the 
chiefs invented fabulous stories of the great river. They de- 
scribed dangerous whirlpools, huge serpents and»fierce animals 
of monstrous size that infested its waters and its banks. To 
these stories La Salle gave no credit, but his men, generally, 
believed them and gave vent to fear of journeying into a region 
so inhabited. Several had already deserted and as fear was en- 
tertained of others leaving, also being wearied by difficulties, La 



43 HISTORV OF ILLINOIS. 

Salle abandoned his expedition for some time and determined 
upon the erection of a fort at the foot of the lake. The posi- 
tion was a favorable one being in the center of a thickly popu- 
lated locality where there were seventeen flourishing Indian 
villages. The work dkl not progress very rapidly but was com- 
pleted in February, i6So, to which date Peoria may properly 
date her history and Illinois her first fort. The site was about 
two iTundred yards from the lake between two ravines, and the 
structure was formed by throwing up dirt to a considerable 
height, then surrounding it by palisades at least twenty-five feet 
high. La Salle at this juncture was despondent and named it 
Crevecoeur, a French word meaning broken hearted. He had 
received no word from the Grifiin on which he expected mate- 
rial for another boat to sail upon Illinois and Mississippi rivers; 
his men were rebellious; his fortune gone. Thus ended his 
first expedition. 

Separation. — La Salle firmly believed that he was on the 
right course to discover a short route to India and that the Mis- 
sissippi emptied its watei's into the South Sea (Pacific Ocean). 
If true, he reasoned, they could transport pelts to that country 
and obtain articles of value for trading with the savages. These 
bi'ight prospects v^^ere sufficient to strengthen him. He desired 
to visit Fort Frontenac to learn of the fate of the Griffin, and if 
lost to replace it by another. He also concluded to send a party 
with Father Hennepin up the Mississippi; but the Indians were 
still hostile to further western explorations. He saw the pro- 
priety of leaving his men in perfect contentment and of having 
friendly relations restored between them and the Red Men. In 
this he was greatly puzzled until an incident occurred that en- 
abled him to become master of the situation. While out hunt- 
ing, one cold, dismal day, they chanced to fall in with a young 
Indian returning from a w^ar journey. The poor fellow being 
faint and weary, the party took him to camp and gave him re- 
freshments. They questioned him regarding the West, the riv- 
ers, the forests and the hunting grounds. As he had heard 
nothing of the plans of the chiefs who told the fabulous stories, 
he revealed all that he knew of the country. Presents were 
given him in return for a pledge of secrecy concerning the in- 



• DISCOVERY PERIOD. 43 

terview and allowed to return. When he had departed, La vSalle, 
with six men, set out for the Indian camp to proclaim to the 
chiefs his knowledge of the West and of the " Great River." 
They were feasting upon bear's meat at the time, but without 
ceremony he boldly confronted them and told the news he had 
received from the Master of Life, besides accusing them of 
falsehood — charging them with what he himself was guilty of 
on this inteview. The chiefs were astounded at his knowledge 
:and confessed their guilt. By way of apology they said they 
wanted the Fz-ench to remain with them and did not wish them 
to mingle with other tribes. This was a happy circumstance. 
Setting his men to building another vessel and sending Father 
Hennepin \vith a fe-vs^ of the bravest on an expedition up Missis- 
sippi River, he arranged to return East. Tw^o days after Hen- 
nepin's departure, La Salle, with the Mohegan hunter and four 
men departed March 2, i6So, up the stream for Lake Michigan. 
Spring had not yet opened out the rivers nor melted the snow 
from off the land, yet they pushed for\vard. While ascending 
the river he fell in company with several Indians, one of whom 
was the leading chief of the Illinois tribes. With him he made 
peace on easy terms by telling the good-natured old fellow that 
he was on his way East to procure arms to defend them against 
Iroquois, a then dreaded foe. Tliis chief agreed to send food to 
the men in the fort and to see that they were well cared for. 
La Salle had carefully examined a high rocky eminence, known 
afterward as Starved Rock, and directed Tonti, who had been 
left in charge of erecting a new boat, to fortify it if possible. 

The First Cliaiiel was built of logs at Fort CreveccEur 
immediately after La Salle's departure for the East and by his 
instructions. Father Gabriel Ribourdi and Father Membre 
were left with Tonti to instruct the savages and convert them 
to their faith. The reverend gentlemen worked diligentlv, but 
upon learning more of savage life saw more of depraved human- 
it}- than they had ever anticipated, became disheartened and dis- 
couraged, but their good influence was unbounded. 

Bad Ne"VI^S. — After the middle of March, La Salle and 
party arrived at the present site of Joliet, where they left the 
stream and traversed by land to Lake Michigan, following the 



44 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

course of the Chicago River for some distance and to its mouth 
where busy Chicago now stands. They then journeyed around 
the shores of the lake to St. Joseph River, reaching it on the 
24th. Let no one pronounce himself victor until the conflict is 
ended. The fort was reached but only reached to learn that 
nothing had been heard of the Grifiin. What could be the 
trouble? True, he knew not whom to call friend in this wilder- 
ness, where homesickness and savagery only seemed to exist. 
Here he met men he had sent to ascertain the fate of his missing 
vessel. He directed these men to report to Tonti while he with 
his party journeyed across the present State of Michigan to Lake 
Erie where they launched a canoe and in all haste sped to Niag- 
ara only to learn more sad news. A cargo of merchandise be- 
longing to him, valued at $400, had been lost by the sinking of 
a vessel in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

We find everywhere a class of persons sanguine in hope, bold 
in speculation, always pressing forward; besides, they are quick 
to discern the imperfections that exist, while disposed to think 
lightly of the risks and inconveniences v^^hich attend advance- 
ment. This was the disposition of La Salle, Columbus and 
John Smith. Each had difficulties to surmount — they were 
followed and surrounded by bands of men that clung with fond- 
ness to what was ancient, even though they were in a new land. 
They feared the western wilds, though convinced by overpow- 
ering argument that the sooner they established trading posts 
therein the better for the mother country and for themselves, 
but consented to no advance only with misgivings and forbod- 
ings. La Salle learned at Frontenac that his creditors had seized 
upon his goods and that he was almost penniless in a new land 
strange to him and his countrymen. He pushed on to Montreal 
where, bv his indefatigable efforts, with a will equal to almost any 
emergency, a supply of goods and fresh men were procured at 
the expense of friends and the Government. In haste he re- 
turned to Frontenac, but there met messengers with intelligence 
of fresh trouble in Illinois and other Western points. 

War ill Illinois. — Tonti with the Indians. — Scarcely 
had La Salle passed out of sight and Tonti had taken command 
of the remaining men than the heartless wretches rebelled against 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 45 

their commander. They destroyed the boat In progress, burned 
the fort, seized all valuables and left Tonti with seven followers 
in the wilderness and at the mercy of treacherous Indians. Two 
of the men were sent, post-haste, to inform La Salle of what had 
taken place. The remaining articles were gathered together 
and taken to an Indian camp for safe-keeping while the men 
were to employ themselves in hunting and exploring until the re- 
turn of their master. 

Attack by the Iroquois. — The Iroquois Indians of New 
York had learned from the settlers in the Colonies and from 
British traders, with whom they were on friendly terms, much 
of the arts of war. Being powerful and selling a portion of 
their lands in New York and Pennsylvania, they began pushing 
westward for more territory. Already they had conquered the 
Eries and destroyed the Hurons, while the Miamis had been 
persuaded to join them in an attack upon the Illinois tribes; thus 
a force was organized that could completely annihilate them. 
The attack was to be a surprise but a friendly Indian, who had 
been visiting in Illinois, met the army, his countrymen, on their 
western march. He hastened back and apprised them of their 
danger. The tribes flew to arms. Women began gathering 
together the camp material for safe-keeping while men applied 
the war paint and joined in the dance to encourage the timid 
who were fearful of the coming contest. 

Tonti Wounded. — The lives of Tonti and his men were 
no^v in peril. La Salle being in the East, rumor soon spread 
that he was with the Iroquois, guiding them to the West — in 
fact the messenger declared he saw him leading the hosts, mis- 
taking the chief who was partially clothed in European costume. 
Thus they believed Tonti and his band were acting as spies to 
inform the enemy of their position and true condition. Tonti 
could not speak their language fluently, furthermore they would 
not listen to his pleadings but looked upon him with a suspicious 
eye. As the alarm was given only one day before the Iroquois 
arrived preparations for battle were made hastily. In the even- 
ing a company of warriors gathered about Tonti and his com- 
rades demanding their lives. This was pressing them hard. 
Nothing could appease their wrath but a faithful promise to enter 



46 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

into the fight with them, and this only secured a postponement 
of iheir probable fate until after the battle. The return of 
scouts at all hours of the night kej^t the camp in utter confusion. 
In the morning intelligence was received of the near approach 
of the foe and the warriors sallied forth, September 1 1, 16S0. 

As the enemy far outnumbered the Illinois, Tonti took it up- 
on himself to attempt a negotiation of peace and advanced with 
a belt of wampum. The enemy, supposing that he was an In- 
dian, endeavored to kill him. He received a number of severe 
wounds, one, a stab near the heart that gave him great pain. 
When their mistake was discovered he was taken to the rear 
and attended by the Indian doctors who carefully dressed his 
wounds and gave him medicine. He told the chiefs that the 
Illinois were under the protection of the French; that there 
were 1,200 warriors, beside sixty French ready to assist when 
called upon. This story frightened the Iroquois and they sent 
Tonti to make peace. Taking advantage of this turn of affairs 
the Illinois retired across the river. The Iroquois, however, re- 
mained in the neighborhood, encircling the Illinois camp on va- 
rious pretenses as occasion presented. 

It became evident that the only safety was in flight and the 
sooner the better. Accordingly, when the Iroquois were at suf- 
ficient distance, the village was fired and its fugitives escaped 
down the river, leaving the enemy in undisputed possession of 
the field. When its truth was revealed to the Iroquois as to the 
number of their adversaries, they fell upon Tonti demanding an 
explanation of the matter. This was diflicult, but by various 
artifices he succeeded in satisfying them for the time: however, 
the following day he and his party were ordered to leave the 
territory. 

Massacre. — The Illinois divided into many small bands and 
departed from their country, save a party of Tamaroas, who be- 
lieved that the Iroquois's plan was only to occupy these rich 
hunting grounds and that no harm would befall them: hence 
remained at the mouth of Illinois River. A band of 700 warriors 
fell upon them. Men fled leaving helpless women and children 
In the hands of their blood-thirsty assailants, who tortured them 
at the burning stake, with scalplng-knives and tomahawks, and in 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. ^'J 

all ways that savage cruelty could devise. 

The French Escape. — As nothing more could be done to 
avert the savage warfare, the little French band started up the 
river, but the boats were leaky and they landed for repairs. 
During this delay they witnessed the most savage brutality that 
man could imagine. No wonder their blood curdled at the 
thought of their situation. The grave yard was visited by the 
Iroquois and hundreds of bodies^ exhumed to destroy the future 
state of the dead. Their hatred was so intense that, at times, 
they ate the putrefied flesh. While awaiting repairs the French 
party was reduced to four by the murder of a friar, Father Ga- 
briel Ribourde, who was out viewing the beauties of the country 
and praying earnestly to his Maker, when he was scalped by a 
band of Kickapoos in search of Iroquois scalps. The old man 
was never again seen but the fact was afterward learned when 
his scalp was exhibited in the Indian camp. 

Tonti and his men pushed on up the river without making- 
any more discoveries of note, their object being to reach the 
Pottawatomies, a friendly tribe in the vicinity of Green Bay, 
Wisconsin. Their march was perilous and impeded by sickness. 
Tonti himself was attaked with a fever and was unable to make 
further progress for some weeksv December was fast approach- 
ing before they reached Green Bay. Here they were hospita- 
bly entertained. The chief frequently asserted that thei^e were 
but three great generals — himself, Tonti and La Salle. 

La Salle Returns West with twenty-three French and 
thirty-one Indians, departing from Frontenac, August lo, i6So, 
and was accompanied by La Forest. They traversed by way of 
the lakes, to the mouth of St. Joseph River; sailed up that stream 
to the site of South Bend, Indiana; crossed over to the Kanka- 
kee and thence to Illinois River. Our prairies were clothed in 
their green garb while all was joy and mirth. At times they 
encountered vast herds of buffalo, and laid up a quantity a£ 
meat for future use, which, with other supplies, they fancied 
would please the lonely Tonti and his companions. On ap- 
proaching the site of the village where they had left the Illinois 
Indians in all their glory, they were surprised and disappointed. 
Nothing was left to tell the story, save the exhumed bodies 



48 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

which the buzzard by day and the wolf by night were greedily 
devouring. Standing upon poles driven into the ground were 
human skulls, and where tents had once stood the ground was 
covered with ashes — no crops to grace the fields, no storehouse 
of supplies. This told the story in part. What had become of 
their friends? Had the whole Indian tribe, so lately inhabiting 
these lands, become extinct? 

Three of their number hid among rocks for a few days while 
La Salle and the four remaining men, who had not been left at 
trading posts along the way, rowed on down the stream to ascer- 
tain the fate of those in whom they were much interested. Be- 
fore reaching the river's mouth they passed the scene of the 
previously described carnage. Half charred bodies of women 
and children were yet standing by stakes but it was evi- 
dent that the men had fled almost instantly, as no dead bodies 
were found to tell the tale of their bravery in defending the 
helpless. Here no trace of Tonti and his men could be discov- 
ered. Being near the Mississippi they pushed on and for the 
first time La Salle beheld that mighty stream. The men were 
eager to explore it br^ their leader thought too much of his 
brave General to give up his seaiv^h and would not yield to their 
I'equests. Returning by rowing night and day they soon reached 
settlements, the Illinois having returned in their absence. A 
few men were left to rebuild Fort Crevecoeur, while La Salle 
and the remainder continued their journey up the stream. They 
left marks along the way to indicate to their friends the path 
they had taken, but none had been left to tell them of the where- 
abouts of their missing companions. 

Retvirn to Fort Miami. — On the afternoon of January 
6, 1681, a small hut was discovered by the party in search of 
Tonti, on Kankakee River, a short distance above its juncture 
with the Des Plaines. This led them to believe that something 
could be learned at Fort Miami at the mouth of Joseph River. 
Thither they hastened journeying through snow that drenched 
them to their armpits, all in anxiety to get the expected news; 
but on their arrival they were disappointed, for no tidings had 
been received. 

Plans for Confederation. — While at Fort Miami La 



DISCOVERV PERIOD. 



49 



Salle met fugitives from King Philip's war of the East, who de- 
sired to join him and his Indian allies. As trouble began brood- 
ing between the French and English in matters of trading, and 
as Iroquois were hostile to the Illinois, it occin-red to La Salle 
that it would be a good plan to form a confederation of these 
fugitives, the Miamis and Illinois. To strengthen this confeder- 
ation he thought it best to unite the different nations within one 
region. Of a better location than the land of the Illinois he did 
not know and whether or not these tribes would consent to a 
union he had not learned. He remained in Michigan but a few 
days and returned to Illinois. Traveling was yet difficult al- 
though the spring sun would effect an occasional thaw. On 
reaching the Kankakee the leader and two of his men became 
snow-blind and could not proceed further until sight was re- 
covered. During this delay a band of Foxes, hunting in their 
neighborhood, told of Frenchmen that put La Salle on track of 
both Tonti and Hennepin. On arriving among the Illinois he 
laid his plans before them. The tribes were in sore need of allies 
and were so rejoiced at his project that they prepared a grand 
feast and supplied him with provision. The only difficulty now 
lay in effecting an alliance with the Miamis. 

La Salle resolved to again visit Miami towns while La Forest 
went to Mackinaw. On approaching the principal village he 
encountered Iroquois whom he bitterly rebuked for their actions 
in Illinois. They were ashamed of their conduct and slunk away 
during the night to avoid meeting him again, while Miamis were 
astounded at the power of his will. This was a favorable cir- 
cumstance and the next day he completed an alliance amid shout- 
ing and great rejoicing. He then set out for Canada where he 
arranged plans accordingly and returned by water in canoes. 
It was on a still November day when he approached Fort Miami, 
which he discerned at some distance, as the autumn leaves had 
fallen. • Columns of smoke arising from the forest told of a re- 
cruited colony awaiting his return. When he landed he was re- 
ceived with shouts of exultation, being hailed as chief. Select- 
ing a few of his braves he proceeded to the mouth of Illinois 
River, traveling most of the distance by means of sledges,^ 
where he arrived February 6, 1682. 



5© HISTORY OF II.LINOIS. 

Father Hennepin's Expedition up the Mississippi 
River was a success as to its designs. Though Marquette had 
paddled in a canoe along apoition of this stream, he had left 
much yet to be examined before a complete map of the great 
river of Nevv^ France could be drawn. The party descended 
the Illinois River in perfect security and were ascending the 
Mississippi, near the Wisconsin, when a band of Sioux Indi- 
ans surprised them and took them prisoners, April ii, 1680^ 
conducting the explorers over the route they wished to journey, 
but as prisoners. Though in the hands and at the mercy of a 
brutal enemy the men were delighted with nature's gifts about 
them. Here they were in the midst of a mighty stream, flowing^ 
in a wide channel between rocky heights studded with shrub- 
bery and mounted occasionally by fertile soil. The ascent of 
these cliffs would often reveal rich prairies upon M^hose broad 
expanse large herds of buffalo were feeding. These scenes they 
witnessed for hundreds of miles. 

They named the falls of the Mississippi, now almost in the 
heart of Minneapolis, St. Anthony. Upon this famous spot, 
now occupied by the largest flouring-mills of the world and 
where the stream is girded by bridges, the party lingered for 
some days. While detained with the Siouxs, Hennepin occupied 
his time in studying their language and teaching them his few 
simple medical remedies. Early in 16S1 he and his two com- 
panions were permitted to return to their countrymen, traveling 
by way of the Mississippi, Wisconsin and Fox rivers to Green 
Bay thence to Quebec where Hennepin embarked for France. 

The Lower Mississippi was the next object of La 

Salle's attention. He awaited about two weeks at its confluence 
^vith the Illinois for the spring freshets to subside, then departed 
for the South. The main object of this expedition being to dis- 
cover the mouth, they landed but few times either to examine 
the country or learn of its natives. They, however, visited the 
Natches Indians and were apprised of customs similar to those 
of the Aztecs of Mexico. Proceeding on down the river, ex- 
amining only a few of the larger tributaries, he reached the Gulf, 
April 6, 16S2, and completed his explorations upon the " Father 
of Waters " from St. Anthonv Falls to the Gulf of Mexico. 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 5I 

Though Spain had taken possession 143 years previous and 
claimed the region by right of De Soto's discovery, La Salle 
returned to a suitable spot, landed and took possession in the name 
of France uttering the following harangue: 

"In the name of the most high, mighty, invisible and victori- 
ous Prince Louis the Great, by the grace of God, King of France 
and Navarre, fourteenth of that name, I, this 9th day of April, 
16S2, in virtue of the commission of his Majesty, which I hold 
in my hand, and which may be seen by all whom it may con- 
cern, have taken, and now do take, in the name of his Majesty 
and of his successors to the crown, possession of this countrv of 
Louisiana, the seas, harbors, ports, bays, adjacent straits, and all 
the nations, peoples, provinces, cities, towns, villages, mines, 
minerals, fisheries, streams and rivers, comprised in the limits of 
the said Louisiana." 

The name was given to this vast country by La Salle in honor 
of Louis XIV, king of France. When the ceremony had ceased 
a volley of musketry rent the air while every voice joined in 
shouts of joy, and the little party prepared to return to Illinois. 

At different times in the ascent their progress was impeded 
by hostile Indians, who had heard of the Whites taking possession 
of lands in the East and were fearful lest they, too, should be 
molested and despoiled of their hunting-grounds. La Salle fell 
sick on the way and remained for some time at a small fort he 
had built in the descent of the river. The news was sent to 
Membrc who departed for France to proclaim the result of this 
expedition. La Salle felt that his presence was almost indispen- 
sable in New France as his men could not be depended upon and 
the Iroquois were yet hostile. 

Conspirators began doing effective work as the influence 
of La Salle spread throughout the West. He had gathered over 
20,000 Indians around his banners, among whom missionaries 
were laboring faithfully while peace and harmony reigned su- 
preme. The English traders did not approve of French missions 
and posts in these regions for they had heard Illinois favorably 
mentioned. La Salle and Governor Frontenac had enemies 
both in France and New France that were more reluctant than 
wise. During the progress of the Lower Mississippi expedition 



52 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Frontenac was removed from office (16S2) and superseded by 
De La Barre, an enemy to La Salle and all that was progressive. 
He began from the first of his administration to oppose the for- 
mer plans and withholding aid in a time of necessity. La Salle 
was poorly equipped and now an expedition was being planned 
by the Iroquois against his allies. Not only did La Barre with- 
hold ammunition, arms and other supplies but kept messengers 
sent him, as prisoners. After La Salle returned from the South 
he ordered Fort St. Louis built upon the height afteward known 
as Starved Rock, which became the headquarters for his confed- 
eration. This rock is situated eight miles below Ottawa, on Illi- 
nois Ri^•er. Further improvement was deemed unnecessary un- 
til word could be received from the Governor. The following 
was taken from La Salle's last letter to him: 

" The Iroquois are again invading the country. Last year 
the Miamis were so alarmed by them that they abandoned their 
towns and fled, but on my return they came back, and haxe been 
induced to settle with the Illinois at Fort St. Louis. The Iro- 
quois have lately murdered some families of their nation and 
they are all in terror again. I am afraid they will take flight 
and so prevent the Missouris and neighboring tribes from com- 
ing to settle at [Fort] St. Louis, as they are about to do. Some 
of the Hurons and French tell the Miamis that I am keeping 
them here for the Iroquois to destroy. I pray that you will let 
me hear from you, that I may give these people some assurances 
of protection before they are destroyed in my sight. Do not 
suffer my men who have come down to the settlements to be 
longer prevented from returning. * * * * g^it 
Monsieur it is in vain that we risk our lives here, and that I ex- 
haust means in order to fulfill the intentions of his Majesty, if all 
my measures are crossed in the settlements below, and if those 
who go down to bring munitions, without which we cannot de- 
fend ourselves, are detained, under pretext trumped up for the 
occasion. If I am prevented from bringing up men and supplies, 
as I am allowed to do by the permit of Count Frontenac, then 
my patent from the king is useless. * * * j have 

only twenty men, with scarcely 100 pounds of powder, and I 
cannot long hold the country without more." 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 53 

This letter, as others, was never answered. La Barre was 
jealous and wrote to the King, stating that La Salle had never 
made the discoveries he reported and was lavishly spending 
fortunes on useless forts and expeditions. 

La Salle Kecalled. — The letters containing falsities, writ- 
ten by La Barre, of this great and magnanimous man caused his 
ruin. The king ordered him to return to France in early spring 
( 16S3). When the news reached Fort Frontenac all his goods 
were seized and an officer sent post-haste to take command of Fort 
St. Louis, of which Tonti had charge. The ofHcer chanced to 
be a kind-hearted man and, contrary to orders from La Barre, 
allowed him and his men to remain at the fort, with certain lib- 
eral privileges in hunting and exploring expeditions. La Salle 
immediately embarked for France to answer charges against him. 

La Salle's Last Voyage and Death. — On his arrival 

in France he was received with warmer favor than he had antic- 
ipated and was given an audience by the King. He succeeded in 
convincing the ruler that he had received false reports of him; 
also, that his plans were unquestionable. He was again com- 
missioned to return to the New World. 

In August, 16S4, he set sail with 2S0 colonists to found a set- 
tlement at the mouth of Mississippi River. On the way he and 
his Captain disagreed as to the course they should take, though 
it was afterward found that La Salle had been right ; but con- 
trary to his directions they were carried about 800 miles too far 
west. As their discussions grew to anger, each wanting his \vay, 
and the Captain being an enemy to him from the first, the party 
was landed out in the wilds of Texas with scant ammunition and 
provision. As the Indians were hostile it was thought best to 
erect a fort. Reconnoitering parties sallied forth in every direc- 
tion to ascertain their location, but without avail. The men 
grew disobedient, causing dissensions. Bitter feelings became so 
intense that secret plots were laid against their commander. 
Finally one of the leaders of a hunting expedition was killed and 
the body hidden. La Salle, attracted by buzzards flying about, 
was making his way to the spot when attacked and slain, Janu- 
ary, 16S7. Thus perished a man who had pushed his discover- 
ies to such an extent that his efforts were only surpassed b\- those 



54 HISTORV OF ILLINOIS. 

of Columbus. 

Tonti learned from people in the East of La Salle's arrival in 
the South and, upon hearing no news of him, sent a body of men 
southward. Though inquiries were made far and wide no in- 
telligence was received of the new-comers. However, a few 
men were stationed at the mouth of Arkansas River to learn, if 
possible, of their whereabouts. 

The assassins made their way to Fort St. Louis and informed 
Tonti that he was in Texas, well and hearty. They presented a 
forged order for a large amount of fur which they took with 
them, sold for money and clothing, and departed for France. 
They ^vere finally imprisoned but regarding their execution our 
histories are silent. 

The spots visited hy La Salle and his comrades, which were 
sacred to him are sacred to the people to-day. Little did he 
dream of the future city at the foot of Lake Peoria; at the mouth 
of Chicago River; at a short distance below the mouth of the 
Missouri; at the Falls of St. Anthony and a few miles below, 
and upon the spot where he took possession of the vast Territory 
of Louisiana. Illinois not only owes a namesake but a monu- 
ment to the enterprising La Salle. 

STORIES. 

Ilicliail Torture. — At the same time that La Salle dis- 
covered the Niagara Falls, with McGalinee and men, he went 
southward into what is now New York State and visited the 
Seneca Indians. They were treated as friends and given com- 
fortable apartments in one of the larger tents. 

On the evening of their arrival a party of warriors returned 
from the valley of the Scioto River where they had captured* a 
young man of the Shawnee tribe. He was treated kindly but 
kept as a captive and confined in a tent adjoining that occupied 
by the French party. 

Shortly afterward three women entered, began heaping evil 
epithets upon him and threatening him with death. This con- 
duct was alternated with bitter weeping. On inquiry concerning 
the difficulty, the French learned that the older squaw was the 
mother of a voung man who had been killed, and that according 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 55 

to custom the captive had been given her by the captors to place 
in the stead of her son, upon whom she was allowed to have re- 
\enge ; if she chose to have him tortured her request would be 
granted. She had decided upon the latter, selecting the follow- 
ing morning for the execution. 

This savage custom was too brutal for kind-hearted French- 
men and they set about to dissuade the Indians from their inten- 
tions, but all in vain ; thev offered to purchase the man and use 
him for a guide but he could not be bought ; they said it had 
always been a custom of their fathers and this they dared not 
abandon. 

Early the next morning two Indians came hurriedly into the 
Frenchmen's tent as messengers stating that the ceremony would 
soon begin. They again endeavored to save the Shawnee from 
a horrible death pronounced upon him, a death he fully realized 
as he, too, had probably often participated in like amusements. 
Upon sight of the French the poor fellow begged piteously for 
them to save him. Once more a sum was offered for his release but 
the offers seemed to enrage the cannibals and the torture began. 

He was tied to a tree and a fire kindled near by, in which lay 
an iron rod heated red hot. When all preparations were com- 
plete one of the largest and most solemn dignitaries of his tribe 
advanced with the red-hot iron and first touched it to the cap- 
tive's foot, then slowly moved it up his leg, burning an unsightly- 
track in the ascent. The screams of the sufferer seemed to 
arouse the bystanders who rent the air with shouts and danced 
for joy. The iron was thus drawn over all parts of his body, 
though care appears to have been taken not to touch any vital part 
that the torture might last the longer. This continued for six 
hours and as the last vestige of life was ebbing away the victim 
^'as struck with a rock and his savage torturers fell upon him, 
■cutting off different members — one the head, another a limb, 
others pieces of flesh until the body was completely annihi- 
lated. These bits were cooked and eaten as the most delicious 
food, some of which they offered their visitors saying that human 
flesh was the best meat in the world. 

When evening came the entire tribe turned out witii clubs, beat- 
ing tents and yelling vociferously to drive away the dead man's 



56 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

spirit. La Salle and party becoming- alarmed at these demon- 
strations, also noticing some signs of ill-will among their hosts, 
became fearful of next falling victims to savage customs and 
accordingly took their departure the following morning. 
The Illinois Give to Marquette and Joliet a 

Fornial Keception. — " A trail," uttered by one awoke the 
quiet occupants of small birch-bark canoes as they glided 
slowly down with the strong Mississippi current. Just what 
they hoped to find! Boats were paddled to shore and the party 
landed to examine it. Surely there must be a powerful tribe 
nearby, they said, and a visit was planned; the men being left 
in charge of the boats while Marquette and Joliet undertook the 
dangerous journev. A trail was followed for six miles where 
they beheld by the side of a beautiful meadow a group of wig- 
wams with all the surroundings of an Indian village. Bevond 
this village, in the distance, they beheld another but more thickly 
populated. 

• After bowing reverently and commending themselves in prayer 
to their God, they suddenly emerged from their hiding place in 
open view to the Indians, shouting loud and long. This threw 
the nearer village into a commotion and after a brief conference, 
during which time the missionaries were in anxious "suspense, four 
aged men advanced towai'd them. No one uttered a word as 
they approached but each held a large peace-pipe which he kept 
swinging as a token of friendly intentions. When these men 
came near enough the following dialogue was begun by Mar- 
quette, dressed in a long black gown as when performing priestly 
ceremonies : 

" To what nation do you belong?" 

" We are Illinois and have brought you our pipes to smoke. 
We also invite you to our village where all av/ait you and we 
can all enjoy the day together." 

The six then proceeded together to the village. Here were 
two Frenchmen 600 miles from Whites that could render them 
assistance if necessary; unarmed and helpless in the midst of 
savages never before visited by Europeans. But these tribes 
had heard of the " Black Gowns," as Indians usually called the 
priests, and from the first believed Marquette to be .one. They 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 57 

looked to him as a teacher who would Instruct them as they 
had done others at the missions and posts farther east. 
These villages were on the west bank of the Mississippi, near its 
junction with the Des Moines. They learned from their escorts 
that the nearer town was called Pe-ow-a-sea and the other 
Moing-we-na. 

As was a custom among Indians of these regions, to show that 
no weapons had been secreted about the person, one stood in the 
door of a larger tent, where the leading chief dwelt, entirely 
naked. He was pointing to the sun and said : 

" How beautiful the sun shines, O Frenchmen, when you come 
to visit us ! All our people welcome you, and you shall enter 
our homes in peace." The men were then presented to the 
chief to whom they addressed their mission and who responded : 
" I thank thee, Blackgown, and thee also," pointing to Joliet, 
" for coming to visit us. Never has the earth been so beautiful 
and never has the sun shone so brightly upon us as to-day. Never 
has our river been so calm and free from rocks. Your canoes 
have swept them away. Never has our tobacco had so fine a 
flavor, nor our corn so promising as we see it to-day, now that 
you are with us. Here is my son," giving to the Frenchmen a 
little boy whom they had captured from another tribe and one 
the chief had adopted. " I give him to you that you may know 
our hearts. I implore you to take pity upon me and all my 
followers. You know the Great Spirit who has made us all. 
Ask him to give life and come and dwell among us that we may 
know him." At the time he presented the little boy he 
also presented a peace-pipe and said: " This is the sacred calumet. 
Wherever you bear it, it signifies peace. All our tribes will 
respect it and it will protect you from harm." 

They then visited the other village where they met with a 
similar reception and the great feast was spread. That night 
they slept secure in the wigwams of the Illinois. 

Adopted by Indians. — At two o'clock, April ii, i6So, 
when rowing up the Mississippi near the mouth of the Wiscon- 
sin, the exploring partv, consisting of Father Hennepin, Michael 
Ako and Anthony Auguelle, espied thirty large bark canoes 
filled with savages, evidently on a warring expedition, near 



5S HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

them rounding a bend in the river. It was too late to escape. 
As soon as the warriors discovered them they raised a tremen- 
dous shout and pushed forward with great speed. 

Father Hennepin stood erect in his boat and waved the calu- 
met of peace, but was not heeded. They surrounded the help- 
less band, seized the peace-pipe and drew the boat ashore amid 
deafening yells. Contrary to most other tribes, these Indians re- 
fused to treat with the Frenchmen and the anxiety became great. 
The two leading chiefs conferred together, while younger war- 
riors demanded their lives. Thus they parleyed until Hennepin 
seized an axe and advanced into their midst, presenting it to the 
chiefs and indicating by signs that they might kill him if they 
wished. This act caused a feeling of admiration in the savage 
breast. 

The band proved to be of the Sioux tribe from the Upper 
Mississippi. When thirty miles south of the falls ( Minneapolis) 
a decision was made. The men were to be adopted by chiefs 
who had lost children and their goods were divided. This 
journev proved long and tedious, the destination being 150 miles 
above the falls. When near this point the men were separated, 
chiefs with whom they were to live residing at different villages. 
Father Hennepin's new father was met by five of his wives in 
canoes when about three miles from home. Hennepin was pre- 
sented as a son and the children were told to call him brother. 

Father Hennepin was so exhausted that he could not rise from 
the ground without assistance. The chief ordered that he should 
be taken through a peculiar course of medical treatment. He 
was carried into a hut similar to " dug-outs " of western prairies, 
the top and sides being covered with skins. By use of hot stones 
its temperature had been raised to almost oven heat. Four med- 
ical attendants surrounded him, spatting and rubbing his flesh 
until a perspiration flowed in great drops, at the same time yelling 
vehemently to drive out the evil spirits. This was kept up, at 
intervals, for two weeks when he had regained his former 
strength although living in a large one-roomed wigwam filled 
with the wives and children of the chief. 

During this captivity these self-installed parents feared their 
children would escape and guarded them very closely. Henne- 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 59 

pin more than the others amused his chief by various artifices, 
and when visited by his friends he always brought forward his 
newly adopted son to show what he could do. Father Henne- 
pin had paper and ink with him and whenever he heard a new 
word wrote it down and in conversation referred to his paper. 
This was mysterious to the simple-minded sa\ages who thought 
the Great Spirit told him the meaning of their words. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Jacques Marquette was a man of rare accomplishments, 
good in purpose, strong in character and full-hearted in all he 
undertook. Deaf to the din of theological controversy, hid from 
assemblies of prejudiced pretended Christian workers, we have a 
few faithful ones who seek, in remote quarters, a retirement to 
labor, not for honor or riches but for elevating the human race. 

Jacques Marquette was born in France in 1637, *^^ wealthy 
parents. He was given a careful training and developed an 
interest in books. At the age of seventeen he resolved to 
abandon the world of riches and rank to enter the ministry in 
the Catholic faith, and at the age of nineteen began teaching, 
following the profession twelve years, when elected to the priest- 
hood. He came to America in 1666 and began his labors almost 
immediately after his arrival, September 20. His first efforts 
were among the Hurons and Qttawas, then among tribes ujDon 
the western border of New France. His exertions were appreci- 
ated and in 1671 he built a chapel on Mackinaw Strait. The 
next year he wrote to friends at Montreal of his success and 
said " Ready to seek new nations toward the South Sea [Pacific 
Ocean] who are still unknown to us, and to teach them of our 
great God." The Indians to whom he referred were those of 
Illinois who, he had learned, inhabited the Mississippi regions. 
He desired to be the first Frenchman to behold this mighty 
stream, and longed to be the first missionary among the barbar- 
ous tribes inhabiting its banks. It was not diflicult for him to 
get permission to take this trip, for Allouez and others had long 
been advocating the idea of pushing farther westward. 

During his stay in America he labored faithfully in his one 
grand purpose — to convert the savages. Not a single account has 



6o HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ever been written of his once wavering in his work. 

His first trip to Illinois served him only as an introduction. 
When about to begin his work and while on the second expedi- 
tion, sailing down Lake Michigan, the exposure to storms and 
damp autumnal winds were moi-e than his frail constitution could 
bear and he was taken with violent hemorrhage soon after enter- 
ing Chicago River. A hut was built and the little band pre- 
pared for winter, and a long winter it was to them. " With the 
return of spring his disease relented, when he descended the 
Illinois River to the Indian village below Ottawa, where he 
gathered the people in a grand council, and preached to them 
concerning Heaven and hell, and the virgin, whose protection 
he specially invoked. A few days after Easter he returned to 
Lake Michigan, when he embarked for Mackinaw, passing 
around the head of the lake beneath the great sand-dunes which 
line the shore, and thence along the eastern margin to where a 
small stream discharges itself into the great reservoir south of 
the promontory, known as the ' Sleeping Bear.' Marquette had 
for some time lain prostrate in the bottom of the canoe. The 
warm breath of spring revived him not, and the expanding buds 
of the forest did not arrest his dimmed gaze. Here he requested 
them to land. Tenderly they bore him to the shore, and built 
for his shelter a bark hut. He was aware that his hour had 
come. Calmlv he gave directions as to the mode of his burial, 
craved the forgiveness of his companions if in aught he had 
offended them, administered to them the sacrament, and thanked 
God that he was permitted to die in the wilderness." 

Marquette died May IS, 1876, but his name was cherished by 
the Indians, who knew him best, many years afterward. If a 
storm overtook them while out upon the water, they would call 
upon the name of Marquette. Legends had it that the winds 
would immediately quell. He was, indeed, a good man. 

Rene Robert Cavelier de La Salle was one of the 

greatest, if not the greatest, explorers of the American conti- 
nent. It is a pleasure and a benefit to study the lives of men of 
push ; men that hold up a single mark and strive over all that is 
difficult to win; men convinced of the value of an object and are 
willing to lay down their lives for its success; men that desire to 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 6l 

•seethe world moving and their nation growing in honor, strength, 
riches and morality ; yea, men that make our nations what they are. 

Our subject was born in Rouen, Normandy, France, Novem- 
ber, 22, 1S43, and was reared almost in the shadow of the great 
Catholic cathedral of that ancient capital. Studious and quiet in 
his youth, he naturally loved books which were his constant 
companion at the age of seven and until he grew to manhood. 
During his boyhood he manifested a strong will of purpose and 
his friends looked to the time when he would become one of the 
foremost in Christianizing the world. He was given a thorough 
training for the Jesuit priesthood that had for its motto "Ad 
majoram Dei gloriam." After finishing his education he went 
to Canada to engage in missionary labors but spent more time 
in studying the dialects of the Indians, learning their cus- 
toms and effecting bargains with them, than looking after their 
souls' welfare. He soon became master of seven of these dialects, 
-and gained the friendship of several tribes. 

The young lord was given territory where La Chine now 
stands, near the rapids of St, Lawrence River, upon which he 
built a fort, established a trading post and" prepared to found a 
settlement. He soon relinquished the settlement plan because of 
a love of further adventure yet slumbering in his bosom. He 
had entertained a band of Senecas at his fort during the winter 
of 166S-9, from whom he had deri\ed much information of the 
" far West " and of its grandeur. Especially did they talk about 
Ohio which took its rise in their territory and flowed westward 
a distance of nine months' travel by canoe. 

Accordingly, on July 6, 1669, with fourteen men, he set out 
for the purpose of exploring the Ohio River. They ascended 
the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario, along its shores to the Niag- 
ara where they beheld the mighty cataract, to the Seneca town 
(See story), thence to the Ohio which they followed till in the 
locality of Louisville, there learning that the Ohio emptied into 
a great river that flowed on and on until it was lost in the far 
South. This news offered an opportunity for more discoveries 
and greater fame to the mind of La Salle, but it was not thus 
received by his men who mutinied and deserted him in a body. 

Thus left in the \a ilds without friends or food, subsisting upon 



62 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

roots, twigs and the hospitality of Red Men, this young man of 
culture and fortune made his toilsome joiu"ney through the wil- 
derness to the eastern settlements. He lingered with tribe after 
tribe, learning their language and customs; of the extent of ter- 
ritory and its richness, until he had gained a fair idea of the inte- 
rior of this vast region and of its prospects in colonization, be- 
coming better posted upon such topics than any other man among 
his contemporaries,. tiiough he was then but twenty-seven years 
old and had spent but four of them in America. 

The remainder of his life has been briefly scanned in the pre- 
ceding pages of this work, but too much for his favor can not be 
added. He was a bold man. Like Columbus he was studious 
and thoughtful in youth, in manhood earnest, patient and de- 
termined, resolutely overcoming every obstacle in the way to 
success; yea, nature endowed him with more: in address he was 
pleasing, in appearance noble, in discernment keen and accurate. 
The Cabots took the shortest route and easiest assignment. La 
Salle the more difficult and hazardous, with no guides but treach- 
erous Indians and no followers but rebellious ones. Ponce de 
Leon sought to retrieve his lost fame, increase his wealth and im- 
mortalize his youth ; La Salle forsook kindi^ed, fortune, ease and 
supine pleasure for hardships, ignominy and premature old age 
in his zeal to elevate the condition of the Western wilds and 
give to his native country a new world. De Soto sought wealth, 
La Salle sought peoples whom he strove to harmonize; the one 
was feared by savages the other regarded with reverential love. 
Thus we may compare the life and character of this man with 
others of his day and find in him a noble character without an 
evil intention; striving for his aim in life, a martyr to thieves 
and sluggards by whom he was assassinated. in Januarv, 16S7. 

Louis Hennepin was born in Belgium in 1640. He 
preached for some time in Holland and came to America with 
La Salle. He was first stationed at the Indian mission of Ft. 
Frontenac, then joined La Salle's expedition to Illinois. Upon 
his release by the Sioux Indians he went to Quebec, thence to 
France. Here he published accounts of his travels which grew 
to be popular. Though ordered to America by church authori- 
ties he refused and fled into Holland. He then went to England 



DISCOVERY PERIOD. 65 

where he was taken up by King William who cajoled and flat- 
tered him until he prevailed upon him to write another account 
of his discoveries in the New World. In this work many previ- 
ous statements were modified and Hennepin was given the honor 
of first descending the Mississippi to its mouth. King William 
wished to present some specious reason for his claim to the terri- 
tory of Louisiana and merely used Hennepin as a tool. In early 
life Father Hennepin was a good man but trying captivity 
had seemingly disheartened him and he became a traitor to all 
but personal interests. 

Louis Joliet was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1645 and 
was of French parentage. He early displayed literary talent 
and was educated in a Jesuit college for the priesthood but aban- 
doned his studies and began life as a trader. When but twenty 
years old he received a commission from Governor Frontenac 
to explore the Mississippi River and set out for the ^vestern mis- 
sions where he joined Father Marquette. He had been a trader 
for several years and was versed In tlite Indian languages. La 
Salle greatly desired the appointment but for certain reasons 
was defeated. Having procured a permit for making discoveries 
he was given the credit and to him, only, was granted the Anti- 
costi Islands for services. He never retm-ned West but devoted 
his attention to trading on his domain. He died In 1700 with 
the title of Seigniory of Joliette which title was transferred to 
his family. 




SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 







EARLY HISTORY. 



ATURAL ADVANTAGES. 



AVoid spread to the remotest parts 
of civilization regarding the grand 
discoveries made by La Salle and 
Marquette in beautiful regions of 
the " far West." People were eager 
to learn more about the prairie coun- 
try ; not that they believed it adapted 
to the raising of grain, cattle and 
other domestic animals, but they 
loved the prospect of making their 
homes in a land of plenty where they 
could communicate with civilized nations by navi- 
gable rivers; gather together abundant suj^plies of 
furs without much labor and transport them to the 
mother country with but little expense. Li Illinois 
ij^.they believed were the richest mines of the world, 
which idea was not abandoned for many years. In 
fact the Government reserved certain sections in the 
sale of public lands believing them to be richly pro- 
vided with silver. Every advantage or indication 
of advantage offered settlers in this portion of the 
New World was examined closely. 

Broad nature pointed the early explorers and 
settlers to a vast territory lying farther westward. 
The similarity of the Lower Mississippi and the 
Missouri River, both in waters and channel indicated this; while 
the Upper Mississippi was decidedly different. This led the 




66 HISTORY OP^ ILLINOIS. 

French to believe that the Missouri was the head waters of the 
Great River wliile the Upper Mississippi was a separate stream. 
Had the idea been so prevalent among the French as with the 
Spaniards, the former would not have been satisfied to settle in 
Illinois but would have ascended the Missouri in search of the 
gold mines of the Northwest, as described by the Aztecs to Cor- 
tez: they believed themselves to be in possession of those regions. 

The trade carried on from the fruits of the hunt was quite ex- 
tensive. Many animals found in Illinois were treasured as of 
great value and it became a fashion with European people to 
prefer fui's made of pelts brought from America. Whole car- 
goes were shipped directly to Paris and sold at high prices. The 
animals most common in Illinois were the prairie wolf, deer, 
squirrel and rabbit; the grey wolf, brown bear, fox, raccoon, 
opossum, gopher, muskrat, otter and beaver were also quite com- 
mon, while the black wolf, panther and wildcat were occasion- 
ally killed. A few wild horses also roamed the prairies but were 
seldom seen; though at times, the early settlers captured a num- 
ber and broke them to service. These sold from $15 to $25 each. 

The First Settlement was that of Kaskaskia, near the 
mouth of the river that bears the same name and but a few miles 
from the Mississippi. The first permanent fort was that of St. 
Louis, on the Illinois River near Ottawa, where a mission was 
established, but the Whites dwelt in tents or within the fort as 
if intending to remain only temporarily. 

When La Salle floated down the Mississippi he found a tribe 
dwelling upon the banks, who were not in the least hostile. On 
accompanying them to their village he was surpi-ised at the beau- 
tiful locality and complimented the inhabitants upon their fine 
town, beautiful surroundings and pleasant location. He at once 
resolved to bring hither persons from Canada to locate and trade 
with these friendly people. This was done in 1682. Records 
confirm this. In the cathedral of Kaskaskia there is a book 
that contains a record of baptisms performed when the place was 
only a mission. The first baptismal record reads about as fol- 
lo\^s: "In the year 1695, March 10, I, James Gravier, of the 
Society of Jesus, baptised Peter Ako, newly born of P. Michael 
Ako. Godfather was D. de Hautchey, Godmother was Mary 



SETTLEMENT PEKIOD. 67 

Arami, Mary Jane was grandmother of the child." 

Michael Ako was with Hennepin in his expedition to the Up- 
per Mississippi and as there is no account of his returning with 
him to France, he no doubt came with La Salle to this place 
where afterward the priests located; the first of whom was the 
above named gentleman, succeeded by Julian Bindeau, June 13, 
1697, he in turn ruling until 1699, when Gabriel Marest took 
charge. 

Jesuit Life, in the wilderness, was similar to Indian«iife, 
and they ruled themselves for several years. A mission was 
also established at Cahokia and called St. Sulpice, where mills 
were built for grinding corn and sawing boards. Here a man- 
sion was erected in the center of a large farm. Like some Nor- 
man castle, encircled by the humble- homes of the peasantry, this 
dwelling stood surrounded by the wigwams of the Indians. The 
fields were worked in common. 

These people were happy ; no taxes to pay, no bonds to be 
lifted, no mortgages coming due and no politics to discuss. They 
raised all they ate and made most of what they wore, paying 
the priest for his masses and the fiddler for his tunes. These 
compensations were small and the people were always light- 
hearted and free. Bancroft says, " The gentle virtues and fer- 
vid eloquence of Mermet made him the soul of the mission of 
Kaskaskia. At early dawn his pupils came to church, dressed 
neatly and modestly, each in a deer-skin or robe sewn together 
from several skins. After receiving lessons they chanted canti- 
cles; mass was then said m presence of all the Christians, the 
French and the converts — the women on one side and the men 
on the other. From prayers and instructions the missionaries 
proceeded to visit the sick and administer medicine, and their 
skill as physicians did more than all the rest to win confidence. 
In the afternoon the catechism was taught in the presence of 
the young and the old, where everyone without distinction of 
rank or age, answered the questions of the missionary. At 
evening all would assemble at the chapel for instruction, for 
prayer and to chant the hymns of the church. On Sundays and 
on festivals, even after vespers, a homily was pronounced; at the 
close of day parties would meet in houses to recite the chaplets 



68 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

in alternate choirs, and sing psalms till late at night." 

A Mission Established at Peoria. — In 171 1 Father 

Marest still preached to the people of Cahokla, and by strenu- 
ous efforts converted many Indians. On one occasion there 
chanced to be present a chief residing near Lake Peoria, who 
was converted to the faith and insisted upon the good priest pay- 
ing his tribe a visit. After thinking the matter over, Father 
Marest was unable to abandon the idea and in the cold of spring 
set out for the village, 150 miles distant, to establish a new 
mission. In speaking of this trip he says : " I departed, having 
nothing about me but my crucifix and breviary, being accompa- 
nied by only two savages who might abandon rne from levity, 
or might fly through fear of enemies. The terror of these vast 
uninhabitable regions, in which for twelve days not a single soul 
was seen, almost took away my courage. This was a journey 
v^herein there was no village, no bridge, no ferry-boat, no house, 
no beaten path; and over boundless prairies, intersected by riv- 
ers and rivulets, through forests and thickets filled with briers 
and thorns, through mai'shes, in which we sometimes plunged 
to the girdle. At night repose was sought on leaves, exposed 
to the winds and rains, happy if by the side of some rivulet 
whose waters might quench our thirst. Meals were prepared 
from such game as might be killed on the way, or by roasting 
ears of corn." 

He preached to these tribes with good result. Soon others 
followed and, in 17 12, a trading post was founded. In 1732 
the work at this point had so increased that a chapel was built 
but was burned by the Cherokees four years afterward. 

New Orleans the Capital. — The same year (1711) 
that Father Marest established his mission with the Peorias, the 
capital of Illinois was changed from Montreal to New Orleans 
as this locality was to be included in Louisiana. The outlet for 
commerce from Illinois was through the Mississippi. Thus the 
French resolved to settle the valley, and fortify themselves against 
the English of the East. To accomplish this a commerce was 
to be established first. 

At the head of these plans the king placed Sieur Anthony 
Crozat, a man of great wealth and ability, also an officer of the 



SETTI.KMKNT I'KUIOD. 69 

royal household. The King was favorable to the enterprise and 
said, " From the information we have received concerning the 
situation and disposition of Louisiana, wc are of opinion that 
there may be established therein a considerable commerce, of 
great advantage to France. We can thus obtain from the colo- 
nists the commodities which hitherto we have brought from 
other countries, and give in exchange for them the manufact- 
ured and other products in our kingdom. We have resolved, 
therefore, to grant the commerce of Louisiana to the Sieur An- 
thony Crozat, our Counselor and Secretary of the household 
and revenue, to whom we entrust the execution of this project. 
We permit him to search, open and dig all mines, veins, miner- 
als, precious stones and pearls throughout the whole extent of 
territory, and to transport the proceeds thereof into any port in 
France, during fifteen years. And we grant, in perpetuity to 
him, his heirs and all claiming under him, all the profits, except 
one-fifth of the gold and silver which he or they shall cause to be 
exported to France. We also will that the said Crozat, and 
those claiming under him, shall forfeit the monopolies herein 
granted should they fail to prosecute them for a j^eriod of three 
years, and that in such case they shall be fully restored to our 
dominion." 

Crozat, however, did not find in his grant the countrv he sup- 
posed. The mines which he jDarticularly relied upon j^roved a 
failure. Though many expeditions were sent out in search of 
these, they returned almost empty handed and with unfavorable 
reports. This darkened his sole ambition. Fur trade was 
monopolized by the English of the East, who had so won the 
Indians by liberal trading that, had it not been for the priests, 
Crozat and his grasping companions would have had no com- 
merce at all. As it was he had spent 450,000 livres and had 
realized but 300,000. His men began deserting him for he 
could not pay them promptly. He petitioned to the King to 
allow him to retire from the position though his fifteen \ears had 
not expii'ed. To this King Louis agreed and in 1717 placed the 
control immediatelv under the crown. 

The White population of Illinois now numbered about 200. 
Several were engaged in agriculture but the people, generally, 



'JO HISTORY OF II.LINOIS. 

lived as the Indians, save a few scattering traders and workers 
of the northern mines in the present Jo Daviess Covmty. 

"South Sea Bubble."— In 1715 Louis XIV, King of 
France, who had reigned seventy-two years, died. The Gov- 
ernment was transferred to his son, Louis XV; but the father 
had left a debt of 3,000,000,000 livres. He had been lavish with 
his money and by extravagant living had incurred this enormous 
liability which the new Government decreased at first 1,000,000,- 
000 livres by contracting the currency. France was at the height 
of her ambition for speculation. People had become entangled 
in heavv debts and were unable to pay them. The colonies of 
the Mississippi Valley became a theme of conversation, for the 
people believed that vast fortunes lay slumbering in the New 
World, notwithstanding the failures in trying to find them. 

In 1 7 16 John Law, a Scotch gambler, arrived in France 
with a new scheme. He had studied the financial condition 
of Europe over which he wandered in his degraded profes- 
sion. His knowledge of finance added to the inspiration of 
the ideal wealth of the New World aided him in perfecting his 
plan. B}' permission he established a bank based on the indebt- 
edness of the country, with a fair promise of success. The 
Regency of the young King gave him encouragement and in 
17 18 the Government made his institution a royal bank. To 
this was united a company that had exclusive control of the 
commerce of the Missisippi River. Rumors were circulated of 
the discovery of gold and silver in the new regions, when the 
shares of the company sold for double and treble their par value. 
The commerce of the Indies and of Senegal in Africa were 
united to that of America. France was to be rich in a day and 
John Law was controlling general of all this success. Bills wei"e 
issued to the amount of eighty times the worth of all the coin in 
the kingdom and the whole system rested upon credit. People 
from all parts of the globe flocked to France and lavishly specu- 
lated in the shares. Buildings were enlarged and hotels built to 
accommodate the mighty throng; England took up the project 
and desks were placed upon the streets of London where were 
sold large tracts of the country ; vessels bound for America were 
laden with emigrants and large cargoes; settlements grew rapidly 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. *]l 

and the Valley of the Mississippi was under headway to soon 
become thickly settled. But the aspect changed. 

" South Sea Bubble " w as a phrase that caused many hearts 
to ache. At the first demand for specie the whole system fell. 
Persons that believed themselves rich became beggars in a day. 
Whole fortunes were lost. Lords, ladies, bishops, priests and 
all classes had been ku*ed into the project. Law, who had been 
regarded a saint, was now stoned by the people and was com- 
pelled to take refuge with the King. So popular had he become 
at one time and so desirous were the people to see him that va- 
rious artifices were practiced. According to orders a coachman 
drove over a curbstone near Law's residence and upset the car- 
riage. The mistress pretended to faint and was carried into his 
house. When she had finished her pretended swoon she arose and 
purchased stock of him. 

The 3Iultiplied Settlements was the only good that 

resulted from the above speculations. Those in the North were 
located principally between the Kaskaskia and Illinois Rivers. 
By 1730, 5,000 Whites and 3,000 Negro slaves were in Illinois. 
In 1721 the Jesuits built a college at Kaskaskia and established 
a monastery at the same place. These brovight over monks and 
nuns who aided in establishing a permanent home in the West. 

Arrailg:ecl Massacre. — In 1726 M. Pierrier was given 
the Governorship of Illinois and a large portion of the Valle}-. 
His rule was looked upon with jealousy by the Indians who 
were sometimes punished for trivial faults, while their country 
was being rapidly filled with settlements. A secret plan was 
put on foot to bring about a general massacre of all Whites in 
the Valley. The plot was well arranged. The new of the 
moon was the signal for preparation and each tribe was given a 
number of sticks to indicate days thereafter — when a day ex- 
pired a stick was drawn. LTnfortunately for themselves the 
Natchez received a smaller bunch than the others. Hence an 
attack was begun by them and not carried out along the whole 
line, Illinois remaining quiet. For this warfare the Natchez 
were severely punished. Women and children were unmolested 
but the men were mostly captured and sold as slaves. Thus the 
tribe perished. 



y3 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Prog'ressive Illinois. — In 1732 the charter was surren- 
dered and King Louis issued a prochimation stating that Louis- 
iana was free to all his subjects and thereafter operations would 
be conducted by the Royal Governor under the control of the 
Crown. The mining fever gradually subsided and agriculture 
was noticed more than formerly, Illinois becoming the most 
popular section of the entire tract. Settlers began working for 
themselves instead of, as had been the custom, a company of 
wild speculators. Villages grew to be towns and tents were 
replaced by houses. M. Pierrier remained Governor-General over 
the countiy but appointed councilmen under him to see to 
different sections. The Illinois settlements were under D'Arta- 
quette, a noble Frenchman of high rank. He succeeded in es- 
tablishing peace and harmony throughout his command. But 
the Indians of the South under other leadei's began withholding 
their trade from the French, giving it to the English. On the 
other hand those of Illinois were faithful to their friends, remem- 
bering the kindly lessons taught by Jesuits. 

War with the Chiekasaws. — First Battle. — The 
Chickasaws of Kentucky and Tennessee had not forgotten their 
hatred for the French and implored the Illinbis tribes to join 
them in making a complete sweep of all the White settlers. 
With these appeals the sturdy sons of Illinois not only refused 
to comply but secretly sent word to the French of the interview. 
A council was held betw^een the commanders of Ft. Chartres 
(military headquarters for Illinois) and New Orleans. Arrange- 
ments were made for Bienville, who had taken the Governor- 
Generalship of Louisiana in 1736, to assemble the forces of the 
South and, with his few Indian friends, proceed northward by 
way of the Tombigbee River, thence by land, joining D'Arta- 
quette, who was to collect the settlers of this State with all the 
Indian allies possible. Bienville was successful in his march 
northward, having collected a larger army than was anticipated. 
On his arrival at the head of the river he added to it a company 
of Choctaws to whom he offered a liberal reward for scalps. 
These were very impatient for an advance, not being satisfied 
to await the arrival of forces from the North. Skirmishing 
began almost immediately, making it impossible to refrain 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 73. 

longer from attacking their fort. The signal for this was given 
May 1 6, 1737. The fort proved to be a skillfully arranged har- 
rier, having been under the supervision of the English in its 
erection, and too much of adefense for the Governor-General and 
his allies. The object, they said, in beginning the attack early 
was to surprise the enemy; but every Chickasaw was at his post 
and well prepared. Again they made a desperate assault and 
again they were repulsed. Finally, with thirty-two killed and 
sixty-six wounded, the southern forces retired from the field re- 
treating rapidly homeward. Bienville \vas sorely mortified and 
believed the Chickasaws able to withstand twice the forces he 
\vould be able to raise. He disbanded his army, threw his can- 
non into the n\er and returned to New Orleans a defeated man. 

The Illinois troops under D'Artaquette had already made their 
attack and had been repulsed. The Indians were so impatient 
to rush upon their foe that the commander could not persuade 
them to await the arrival of the army from the South. They 
would push on closer and closer until a skirmish ensued and then 
the Indian blood began to boil. Fearless at the onset, they 
fought with true courage and would have gained the victory had 
it not been for the loss of their unfortunate commander who was 
wounded in the first of the attack. This confused his Indian 
allies who fled without a halt until out of danger. 

Governor D'Artaquette and DeVincennes Burned 
AT THE Stake. — D'Artaquette was sore from his wounds and 
could not retreat. With him the noble DeVincennes and others 
who remained with their wounded commander rather than flee 
for their lives quietly submitted, when captured. The captives 
were treated with courtesy at first, the captors hoping to get a 
ransom for their deliverance in good condition. When they 
learned, however, that the enemy had returned home and being 
encouraged by their successes in vanquishing the southern forces 
their savage barbarity assumed sway and they resolved upon an 
old-time jollification. D'Artaquette and his comrades ^^ ere tied 
to stakes and slow fires kindled about them. The heat scorched 
their bodies; the flesh became crisped, then disappeared from the 
lower limbs, and slowly death ascended. Prayer was the only 
relief for these poor unfortunates, miles from any source of help. 



74 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

In this manner two of the noblest men, with their comrades, 
perished while their tormentors danced about and spit upon 
them. 

Second Battle. — A knowledge of the barbarous treat- 
ment of the northern leaders reached Governor Bienville at 
New Orleans through colonists of the East. He was mortified 
and resolved upon revenge. Sending his plans to France, he 
obtained permission to fit out another expedition against the 
Chickasaws. Though he was not a little chagrined at his for- 
mer misfortune, his last expedition was almost as barren as the 
first one had been. 

In 1740 the army departed. The strength from Illinois num- 
bered 200 French and 300 Indians, commanded by La Buisso- 
niere. The forces from the South were 1,000 French and 200 
Indians. A fort was built near St. Francis River for storage 
and to serve as a place of refuge. Here fever set in and the 
army was not fit for duty. On the approach of winter the dis- 
ease abated but the supplies were exhausted and the troops were 
threatened with faniine. When spring came the sun, instead of 
smiling upon a powerful force, shed its kindly rays upon a hand- 
ful of fugitives with small pretensions to an army. M. Celeron, 
of the Illinois country, however, believed in his own ability and 
with a few soldiers sallied forth to meet the foe. The Chicka- 
saws, mistaking this for a strong force of the enemy, sued for 
peace. A long conference was held in which the French fol- 
lowed up the advantage gained by the mistake. The Chicka- 
saws thereupon agreed to trade with them and never again pat- 
ronize the English. If called upon they declared they would 
send troops to aid in the protection of the French in time of war. 
Besides this they were to be on friendly terms with the Indians 
that had been aiding the settlers of the Valley. Thus ended the 
Chickasaw war. 

Review. — There is no government so dear to an American 
as one made and conducted by the people. These privileges 
were almost entirely allowed the early French residents of Illi- 
nois. Happy they were if ever people were happy; careful in 
duty and alwavs ready to perform any religious requirement put 
upon them. They had congregated in settlements where they 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 75 

worked in common, their sole aim being a healthy subsistence 
Avith comfortable surroundings. Homes were usually built in 
fertile regions where good land was plenty and fresh water con- 
venient; besides, the timber lands were hunted where fuel was 
handy and building material abundant. Houses were usually 
made of logs; if otherwise, of stone. In many instances a num- 
ber of families resided under the same roof, frequently eating 
from the same table ; also, a large field was kept for agricultural 
purposes near every settlement. This field was divided into 
sections and apportioned according to the energy and strength of 
the persons who labored. Beyond this field were the pastures 
for their flocks. Yearly, 600 barrels of flour were exported to 
New Orleans. Besides this the colonists shipped from the coun- 
try quantities of corn ; hams of hogs, deer, bear and buffalo; pick- 
led pork and beef; wax, cotton, leather, tallow, tobacco, skins, 
furs, venison and numerous other articles. Quantities of lead 
were also obtained from the mines of the present Jo Daviess 
Countv. 

Bv 1730, 150 families had collected together in five settlements, 
the most important of which were Kaskaskia, on the Kaskaskia 
River six miles abo\e the mouth, first settled in 1682; Cahokia, 
situated at the mouth of Cahokia Creek and five miles below 
the site of St. Louis, settled in 1686; Fort Chartres, twelve 
miles above Kaskaskia, the fort having been built in 1718; and 
within four miles of the fort, St. Philip colony was situated. 



"FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR." 

The term " French and Indian War " wasgivento this seven 
years' struggle by English historians because the French and a 
portion of the Indians united to prevent them from extending 
their claim beyond the Alleghanies. It might more properly 
be called the French and English Boundary W ar. 

French and English Jealousies sprung up between 

the t\vo nationalities in America from two causes: First, Eng- 
land and France had been at war for several years and the bit- 
ter feelings toward each other had been carried to the New 



76 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

World. Second, a boundary line had never been agreed upon. 
The English were rapidly pushing westward and occu^oying the 
lands, while traders penetrated hundreds of miles beyond their 
frontier. These occasionally came in contact with the French 
who claimed all territory west of the Alleghanies and east of 
the Rockies, lying between the North Ocean and Gulf of Mex- 
ico. When the French positively refused these traders the use 
of their lands a feeling of vengeance flew through every Eng- 
lish nerve and trouble became apparent. 

In order to gain a better plea for their pretended claim* upoa 
the same territory, the English assembled the Iroquois Indians, 
of New York, at that time yet jDowerful, and purchased from 
them all western lands to which the Iroquois had no right. This 
purchase was made in i744' Had it not been for the French 
power in Canada, the English would have taken possession vm- 
ceremoniously, but they well knew they would have an army 
of not only French but Indians to contend with were they to 
make such an attempt. 

The French Take Action. — The inhabitants of the Mis- 
sissippi Valley, especially those of the present State of Illinois, 
were looked upon by their kinsmen in Canada as possessing the 
most fruitful regions in the New World. As exports were 
gradually growing in value, they felt it their duty to maintain 
them and protect their colonies. Then, too, it was upon the 
lands traversed by Marquette and La Salle, who had prepared 
maps of the country, taught the natives Christianity, traded with 
them, built forts and established commerce before any English- 
man knew of the country ; or, had he known, it Is doubtful that 
he would have dared to put a foot upon the soil. 

In 1749 the authorities of Canada cast plates of lead upon 
which was engraved their claim. These plates were laid by 
mounds, at the mouths of rivers and various other points in the 
disputed territoiy. However, this move had no tendency to 
check the English. The same year they erected a trading post 
upon Miami River, in the Ohio Company's territory of which 
Lawrence, Augustus and George Washington, together with 
five wealthy English gentlemen, were the proprietors. They 
began collecting stores, ammunition and artillery as I'apidly as. 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 77 

possible. They went so far as to seize two English traders and 
later captured a post. When the English learned of this they 
called the Iroquois in council, reminded them of the land piu'- 
chased in the West, of the former treaties they had made, antl 
informed them that the French had encroached upon the privi- 
leges granted by them. They also tried to show that it was the 
Iroquois's duty to assist in righting the wrong the French were 
now perpetrating. They soon learned, however, that a French- 
man was held in higher esteem, even by an Iroquois, than an 
Englishman, After various means of persuasion and several arts 
of strategv had been played, a chief replied to Easton, spokes- 
man for the English, by sayuig, "The Indians on the Ohio left 
you because of your own fault. When we heard the French 
were coming we asked you for help and arms, but we received 
neither. The French came; they treated us kindly, and gained 
our affections. The Governor of Virginia settled on our lands 
for his own benefit, and when we wanted help he forsook us." 

The kindness with which the French had treated the Indians 
bound them closely, and hand in hand they vowed to bar out 
their Eastern intruders. Thus the " Land of the Illinois " and 
neighboring localities not only brought about strife in Amer-ica 
but the quarrel was taken up in Europe. 

Junioiiville Killed. — In 1754 Washington with 200 
men encountered Jumonville among the rocks near Fort Du- 
Quesne, now Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and an engagement fol- 
lowed in which the latter was killed and his forces routed. For 
this Washington has long been criticised by the French, even 
charged with being an assassin. Jumonville had been sent, 
they claimed, with a written statement of rights and grievances, 
and was on his way to the English headquarters when the skir- 
mish took place. If this were true Washington was ignorant of 
the fact. The echo of the first musket shot of the engagement, 
said to have been fired by Washington himself, encircled the 
globe. It began the long war that drove France out of Amer- 
ica and made a warlike people of the colonists of the East. 
When the news reached the Old World it threw England and 
France into a state of excitement, especially the latter. The 
people of Illinois were likewise enraged. At no time since they 



78 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

came to America had they displayed so much determination to 
settle a question with the musket and connon. 

Capture of Fort Necessity .^Fort Chartres, Illinois, 
was the French headquarters for all military equipments of the 
West, Macarty being in command. M. de Villiers, a subordi- 
nate ofHcer at this place, was a half brother of Jumonville, re- 
cently killed. Collecting an army of French and Indians, he 
proceeded down the Mississippi to the Ohio, thence up that stream 
to Fort Du Quesne where he took command shortly afterward. 
Washington was advancing upon this post but on learning of the 
superior forces he would have to encounter, retreated, pursued 
by De Villiers to Fort Necessity where he fortified himself. 
His army w^as insufficient, however, to withstand an attack and 
he was allowed to retire honorably, leaving behind his artillery 
and prisoners taken at the time of Jumonville's defeat. This was 
an event that called forth general rejoicing in Illinois, 

Defeat. — The turn of affairs was a signal for action on the 
part of the British ministry who decided to send aid to the colo- 
nies. General Braddock was given the chief command and ar- 
rived in America in 1755. He led an attack on FortDu Quesne, 
Washington being in command of the American troops. The 
French and Indians lay concealed in a ravine ten miles from the 
fort. The English were again routed and the French remained 
in possession of the fort until in 1758 when it was burned and 
abandoned, but was immediately rebuilt by English. 

The Fi'ench were unsuccessful at otherpoints also. The year 
of Braddock's defeat ( 1755) all settlers had been driven from 
their homes in Acadia; parent separated from child, husband 
from wife, and scattered in various parts of the wilds. By 1760 
all other posts had sin-rendered and the settlements were in the 
hands of the English, though a treaty was not perfected until 
three years later. 



Pontiac's War. — Detroit. — Pontiac, who ruled with a 
commanding hand over many tribes, planned a general massacre 
of the English. If an attack upon the frontier fortresses were a 
success, then they could fall upon the unprotected inhabitants, 



SETTLEMENT PEHIOD. 79 

and drive the English from the land forever. He sent word for 
a general assault upon all the forts from the east to the west, 
from the north to the south; he to strike the first blow. He 
told his people that the King of France had been sleeping, but 
now had awakened to a sense of his duty and was sending a large 
number of men in war canoes down the St. Lawrence to assist 
his children in the forests. The English aftei^ward accused the 
French of Illinois of encouraging this idea. All the tribes 
agreed to assist him in the desperate plot, the equal of which had 
never been undertaken. Thousands of helpless people were to 
be shun; scalps hanging about were to be the only remnants left 
of the English then in America. The fruits of the assault, he 
said, w^ould be far superior to those of Braddock's defeat. Danc- 
ing and joy prevailed. He had so Inspired his savage w arrlors 
that they were ready to follow wdierever he might lead. He spoke 
of the kindness of Frenchmen and the cruel disposition of Eng- 
lishmen ; he dwelt upon the prospect of getting back their lands 
that were now occupied by cruel strangers: and how pleasant It 
would be to have the old hunting days return, with the French 
who had taught them so much and had given them the beau- 
tiful ornaments they w^ore; he spoke of the certainty of their 
power being restored by the great French king who would pro- 
tect them from all dangers, and added, "■ Now I go to Detroit 
to learn of the situation at the fort." 

The plan was to massacre the garrison. It would have been' 
a triumph on the part of the savages had not the desperate plot 
been revealed by an Indian girl (See story) who deserves more 
praise for the lives she saved than the famous Pocahontas in pro- 
tecting a man she admired. The attack was then turned to a 
siege lasting forty days, when the Indians abandoned the hope 
of taking this point. 

In Other Localities the Indians had been more success- 
ful. At Fort Miami, on the head waters of the Maumee, 
an Indian girl told the commander that a woman was dying just 
outside. A Miami town being near, he was lured thither and 
seized. The savages at once entered the fort and completed the 
destruction of Its garrison with the scalping knife. 

At Mackinaw a band of Indians engaged in playing ball and 



So HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

were watched by the entertained soldiers. After the game had 
been in progress for awhile one side seemingly drove the other 
to the fort. Finally the ball was thrown over the stockade. A 
o-oodly number scaled the works to get it, but no sooner were 
they within than they began to slaughter the inmates. The com- 
mander, Major Henry, was writing at his desk when he heard 
the shrieks of the dying men. Hastening to the woods he made 
his escape but was closely pursued. 

Not only were these depredations carried on at the forts but 
the English people were attacked in their homes, and hundreds 
were killed. Women were compelled to stand and see the 
brains of their children beaten out while awaiting their turn. 
Throughout Pennsylvania rapine and carnage abounded on every 
hand. A large Indian force entered the State and spread terror 
wherever it went. People took refuge in the larger towns which 
were fortified. The colonists were wholly unable to put down 
the war for the time being, as the organization was too complete 

Illinois, the refuge for homeless French and many Indians, 

could not easily be reached and the English Regulars had returned 
home; besides it would have been murderous to kill off the tribes. 

Illinois Disturbance.— British Getting Possession. 

. When the English came to take possession of the forts they 

found the Indians yet hostile. The French had always treated 
the Indians with the greatest of respect. They visited each 
other and were generous in all their dealings, though it was some- 
times difficult for Frenchmen, somewhat refined, to endure the 
uncouth, filthy disposition of savages. To these rude ways 
the English would not submit and contemptuously hurled bitter 
reproaches upon them for their ill-bred manners. The impa- 
tience on their part and endurance on the part of Frenchmen 
made the Indians lasting friends to the latter and bitter enemies 
to the fornier. 

The Illinois forts had been left under French commanders as 
it was not regarded safe for the English to take charge imme- 
diately after the close of the late war. Thither came Ifirge num- 
bers of Indians complaining of their mistreatment and threaten- 
ing vengeance upon their late rulers. In 1763 a treaty had been 
signed at Paris by which France gave up all her possesssions in 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 8l 

America, east of the Mississippi, reserving only two small islands 
off the coast of Newfoundland for fishing purposes. At the 
same time Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain, leaving her in 
undisputed possession of this vast territory, so far as the relations 
of civilized nations were concerned. The only perplexing ques- 
tion now before her was how to pacify the Indians and gain 
possession of the forts in Illinois. 

The same year the treaty was signed Major Loftus, with a 
force of 400 men, undertook the arduous task. He sailed to 
New Orleans, where he embarked in small boats, with the dig- 
nity of a Sir Walter Raleigh, to take command of Fort Char- 
tres. He did not reach Illinois. When a short distance on his 
way the warriors of Pontiac congregated upon the shores and 
fired into his fleet, killing several soldiers at the outset. As 
the river was out of its banks Loftus saw no means of dispelling 
his foe and immediately steered homeward, indignant because of 
defeat. He sought to blame the French who were ignorant of 
his approach. Thus ended the first attempt to take command of 
the Illinois forts. 

PoxTiAc's Speech. — In 1764 Pontiac again tried to arouse 
the Illinois Indians to action. He also visited the French at 
Fort Chartres, and to the commanding officer made a speech. 
He said: " Fathers, we have long desired to see you and enjoy 
the pleasure of taking you by the hand. While we refresh our- 
selves with the soothing incense of the friendly calumet, we will 
recall the battles fought by our warriors against the enemy 
which still seeks our overthrow. But while we speak of their 
valor and victories, let us not forget our fallen heroes, and with 
renewed resolves and more constant endeavors strive to a^•enge 
their death by the downfall of our enemies. Father, I love the 
French, and have led hither my braves to maintain your author- 
ity and vindicate the insulted honor of France. But you must 
no longer remain inactive and suffer your red brothers to con- 
tend alone against the foe, who seek our common destruction. 
We demand of you arms and warriors to assist us, and when the 
English dogs are driven into the sea, we will again in peace and 
happiness enjoy w^ith you these fruitful forests and prairies, the 
noble heritage presented by the Great Spirit to our ancestors." 



82 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

General Gage was appointed to succeed General Amherst 
as commander of all the English provincial forces. He, too, 
saw the difficulty of reconciling the Indians to English rule, es- 
pecially while the forts in Illinois remained in possession of the 
French. He therefore planned to send a force westward, not 
by the way of New Orleans, but down the Ohio. In order to 
prepare the natives for their coming, he sent, in Februar}', 1763, 
two men, who were as equal to the emergency as any, to frighten 
them and get them to receive the troops with courtesy. The 
result was decidedly opposite that expected. The men were not 
given an audience and were obliged to flee for their lives in dis- 
guise, being aided by the French who barely saved them from 
destruction. The army never took the westward march. 

The English then began studving methods used by the French 
in gaining Indian friendship. The}' had heard of the moral les- 
sons taught them, but were averse to allowing the clergy 
the honor of quelling this people. They decided to do as the 
French occasionally did — distribute presents among them, 
but to excel all former generosities they loaded a cargo of costly, 
beautiful articles, such as had never arrived in Illinois. The goods 
were slowly towed up the river, manned by Frenchmen who 
were to tell the savages about English wealth and of a large 
stock of such articles in store for them. Word of the approach- 
ing boat reached Pontiac first. The chieftain gained all possible 
information and when it landed, the Indians, not backward in the 
least, jumped aboard, took possession of the cargo, whipped the 
Frenchmen and distributed the articles themselves. 

PoNTiAc's War Ended. — The late disturbances were some- 
what agitated by a few French traders who forged letters from 
the King telling of preparations to aid his red children of the 
forest. They manufactured stories of English mistreatment and 
kept the savages instilled with ideas not conducive to peaceful 
relations. These things were kept from the higher authorities 
who knew nothing of the doings of traders. 

General Amherst wrote M. de Villiers to make known to the 
Indians the change of government and to attend to it at once. 
In a letter to Pontiac, Villiers said : " You can not expect further 
assistance from the French; thev and the English are now at 



SETTLEMENT PEKIOD. 83 

peace and regard each other as brothers. The Indians should 
abandon hostilities which are leading to no good results." This 
Pontiac took as an insult on the part of the French. 

Poiltiac Assassinated. — This daring leader met his death 
at the hands of an assassin, in 1769. While at St. Louis he 
learned that a feast was in progress at Cahokia, given to the In- 
dians and settlers by the British. He resolved to attend and at 
once set out. He found the red men nearly all drunk, and was 
soon intoxicated himself. An English trader, seeing an oppor- 
tunity to get Pontiac out of the way, employed an Indian to kill 
him, promising a reward of a barrel of whiskey for his services. 
His offer was accepted and a tomahawk was buried in the brain 
of the great warrior, wIyd had spread terror through the land for 
many years, who was revengeful when enraged and who exerted 
an influence over the tribes that were ready to be foes of the 
English on every pretext. 

Thus perished a great chief. One who, it might be said, was 
semi-civilized; one with a broad heart and tender disposition 
unless inflamed with revenge ; one who was conversant on higher 
topics and sought the society of leading men of the nation. He 
first favored the French when but a boy and in his last speech 
he was frank to sav, "I love the French." 

British Governors. — Although New France and that 
portion of Louisiana lying east of the Mississippi were taken by 
force of arms in 1760 and ceded to Great Britain in 1763, literal 
possession of Illinois was not secured until 1765 when Captain 
Sterling arrived at Fort Chartres. Previous to his arrival M. 
Ste. Ange de Belle Rive departed for St. Louis followed by 
many af his countrymen. 

Captain Sterling died soon after assuming control and Major 
Frazier took his place but did not rule to suit the Government. 
Soon after Colonel Reed took charge but ruled with a tjrannical 
hand and made himself odious to the people. Colonel Wilkins 
was then placed in comniand but the settlers had learned to com- 
plain and were not yet suited. The displeasure reached its cli- 
max when he announced that the judicial department should be 
in the hands of the people in the execution of civil laws. Seven 
Judges were appointed from among the citizens to hold their 



84 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

court monthly, the first session opening December 6, 1768. This 
the people could not understand — «i court to be made up from 
the people, who knew but little about law, was to them the height 
of folly. Every verdict was questioned and no other court ex- 
isted to which the dissatisfied could appeal for a more learned 
decision. The former court was re-established in 1774. 

Another authority Wilkins took upon himself was the distri- 
bution of lands. Notwithstanding orders had been given by the 
Government not to sell any territory beyond the head waters 
of the rivers flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, he began almost 
immediately to apportion the land of the Illinois to the English. 
He believed that the laws of England wei'e just in depriving an 
alien of the right to own property: hence he divided the posses- 
sions vacated by French, but hesitatingly allowed^ those who 
so desired to remain upon the farms they had occupied for 
half a century, though they would swear allegiance to Great 
Britain. That portion of the country not to be sold was to be 
reserved for the Indians, but Wilkins called together a council 
of chiefs at Kaskaskia, in 1773, also a posse of traders, and of 
them obtained two large tracts, about one-eighth of the present 
State. For this purchase he agreed to give 250 blankets, 260 
stroudes, 350 shirts, 150 pairs of half -thick stockings, 150 breech- 
cloths, 500 pounds of gunpowder, 4,000 pounds of lead, 144 
knives, 30 pounds of vermilion, 2,000 gunflints, 200 pounds of 
brass kettles, 200 pounds of tobacco, 30 gilt looking-glasses, 144 
fire steels, 168 garterings, 144 gim worms, 2S8 awls, 10,000 
pounds of flour, 500 bushels of corn, 12 horses, 12 cattle, 20 
bushels of salt, 20 guns and 5 shillings in cash. The deed for 
this land was recorded at Kaskaskia, September 3. 

Goverilinent Removecl. — Fort Chartres was destroyed 
by the freshet in 1772, in which one side was torn away. The 
stream had been gradually washing toward the fort for many 
years because of a sand bar that formed near the mouth of the 
Kaskaskia, which bar has since become an island. The English 
garrison abandoned the building entirely, taking up their abode 
at Fort Gage on the opposite side of the river, which they occu- 
pied the remainder of their stay. The Governor moved his 
office into Kaskaskia. 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 85 

The old fort gradually crumbled away, the inhabitants maknig 
use of the timber. On this spot many nights were spent in peace ; 
many were spent in sorrow. Thousands of miles from their 
kmdred and mother country, that little band could but grow 
lonesome when thoughts of them would arise. Surrounded by 
savages, yet it was home; it was a dear home for it was a place 
of freedom and refuge. Upon this historic spot trees are now 
growing that are at least thu'ty inches in diameter, while no ves- 
tige of the defense remains to be preser\ed as a memento. 

Tlie Condition of Illinois under British rule was far from 
being improved. No attention was directed to her save to 
keep the Indians quiet. Wilkins's Government did not last long. 
The French left the country one by one and Indians by degrees 
discontinued their frequent visits until the once busy towns ap- 
peared deserted save the presence of an English garrison that 
fi/ially dwindled away entirely. Before the Government had 
been changed one year the entire population numbered Init 3,000 
souls, the original number at Kaskaskia. 

Improvements. — The first water-mill was built at Kaskaskia 
by Mons. Paget who was killed by Indians in 1764, one year 
after its completion. The wealthiest man in these settlements 
was Mr. Beauveair, an English arrival, who owned a large plan- 
tation and kept eighty sla\es to work upon it. His annual ship- 
ment of flour is said to have been S6,ooo pounds. Some French- 
men had held one of 200 acres on which were many cattle and 
a brewerv. This was sold to Englishmen in 1765, when it was 
improved and enlarged. But the most marked event under the 
rule of British Governors was the establishment of a store at 
Cahokia by Charles Gratoit, in 1774. This was the first place 
for trade in merchandise opened west of the Alleghanies, but 
was the forerunner of others. The proprietor, a young man, 
afterward married a daughter of Pierre Chateau, the founder of 
St. Louis, to which place he then removed. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

A Strug'g'le for independence from Great Britain had 
arisen throuirh a desire of the colonists of the Eastto bring about 



86 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

favorable action upon a set of grievances they had drafted to the 
Kingc The ensuing warfare so encouraged the colonists that 
the Continental Congress drafted a Declaration of Independence 
at Philadelphia, July 4, 1776. This document set forth a plan 
for a new Government " for the people and by the people," and 
for the success of this they vowed to give up their lives if need 
be. The victories alternated between them and the King's 
forces until 1777 v^hen Burgoyne was captured. This was a 
master stroke for the loyalists and led to an alliance with France 
a few months afterward. 

Situation in Illinois.— During the first two years of 
the Revolution our quiet little settlements remained at peace] 
but as it progressed British agitators worked among the inhabit- 
ants — English, French and Indians, creating a hatred for the 
colonists and injuring their cause. They said these people were 
desperate characters, the most inhuman wretches that ever ex-- 
isted. They narrated, falsely, instances in which women and 
children were brutally treated without the slightest degree of 
mercy. They said that the Virginians vs'ould enter houses and, 
w^ithout a w^ord, scalp the inmates; that the long knives of 
these blood-thirsty people penetrated every heart within their 
reach, and that the western inhabitants should be on the lookout 
for them. Men unaccustomed to military affairs w^ere drilled 
continually to be prepared to meet the '' Long Knives," as they 
were taught to call the Virginians, and Indian w^an-iors were 
kept near by. The priests taught their flocks to be patient and 
endure the worst without a groan if such must come. 

Clarke Conmiissionecl by Patrick Henry .-George 

Rogers Clarke, who afterward became famous as an opposer of 
Benedict Arnold, had spent much of his time of late years 
among the western tribes and knew of their feelings toward the 
British. He conceived a plan of attack along a line of forts of 
the West, and believed they could be easily won to the American 
cause, thus preventing trouble from that quarter, for the source 
of Indian barbarity appeared to be Detroit, Kaskaskia and Vin- 
cennes where the British supplied them with arms. He was a 
native of Virginia, and thither he hastened in December, 1777, to 
impart his plans to Patrick Henry, then Governor. All was 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 87 

going on well. He learned of the surrender of Burgoyne and 
at once caught the inspiration of the colonists — " give me lib- 
erty or give me death." Filled with patriotic zeal he laid his 
plans before the Governor. Patrick Henry saw in Clarke a man 
whom he could trust in performing the duties of so important 
an undertaking, and seating himself soon after the interview, 
penned the following commission: 

" You are to proceed with all convenient speed to raise seven 
companies of soldiers, to consist of fifty men each, officered in 
the usual manner, and armed most properly for the enterprise; 
and with this force attack the British force at Kaskaskia. It is 
conjectured that there are many pieces of cannon and military 
stores to a considerable amount at that place, the taking and pres- 
ervation of which would be a valuable acquisition to the State. 

* * * It is earnestly desired that you show humanity 
to such British subjects and other persons as fall into your hands. 
If the White inhabitants of that post and neighborhood will give 
undoubted evidence of their attachment to the State, for it is cer- 
tain they live within its limits, by taking the test prescribed by 
law, and by every other vv^ay and means in their power, let them 
be treated as fellow-citizens, and their person and property be 
duly respected. Assistance and protection against all enemies, 
whatever, shall be afforded them, and the commonwealth of Vir- 
ginia is pledged to accomplish it. But if these people will not 
accede to the reasonable demands, they must feel the conse- 
quences of war, under that direction of humanity that has hith- 
erto distinguished Americans, and which it is expected you will 
ever consider as the rule of your conduct, and from which you 
are in no instance to depart. The corps you are to command 
are to receive the pay and allowance of militia. The inhabitants 
of this post will be informed by you that in case they accede to 
the offei's of becoming citizens of this commonwealth, a proper 
garrison will be maintained among them, and every attention 
bestowed to render their commerce beneficial; the fairest pros- 
pects being open to the dominions of France and Spain. * 

* * * Wishing you success, I am your humble ser- 
vant. P. Henry. 

The March Westward was begun bv Colonel Clarke 



S8 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

on Febi'uary 4, 1778, almost immediately after i"eceiving his 
commission. He proceeded to Pittsburg where he was re- 
enforced and I'eceived supplies, but a scanty aniount of each — of 
the former, that they might be reserved for assistance in the 
East; of the latter, that the troops might not be overburdened 
with baggage. He received re-enforcements also from Ken- 
tuckv, but then he had only one-half the men required by his 
commission. Disappointment beset his way. When opposite 
the site of Louisville, at Corn Island which he fortified, he told 
his men the object of the expedition and the ends to be accom- 
plished. This proved too much for a large number who had 
enlisted from Kentucky, and in spite of all precaution he had 
taken to prevent desertion several made their escape. Loyal 
men were sent after the deserters with instructions to compel 
them to return or shoot them. The recesses and thickets formed 
excellent hiding-places for the runaways and but few were cap- 
tured. At another time a Kentucky company received orders 
to return because of threatened peril in the State. This left 
Clarke with but 153 men, yet every one was reliable. 

They had already dropped down the Ohio from Corn Island 
when a total eclipse of the sun occurred, June 24, 177S. About 
this time a messenger from Virginia overtook the little army 
tand told them of the unbounded joy that was diffusing itself 
throughout the American army and the homes of patriots. 
France had acknowledged America's independence and troops 
were on their way to assist in the struggle. This acknowledg- 
ment was made February 6, but the news did not reach the West 
until the latter part of June, a period of 140 days, a marked con- 
trast to electric speed. 

Near the mouth of the Tennessee, Clarke halted. By chance, 
and a fortunate one it was, he met hunters who had been in the 
vicinity of Kaskaskia but a short time previous. From one, 
John Duff, whose services Clarke procured as a gtiide, he learned 
the state of things in the Illinois settlements: That a militia 
had been drilled and that spies had been stationed along the 
Mississippi to give the alarm should the enemy approach; also^ 
that the fort commanding the town was kept in order as a place 
of retreat, but had no regular garrison. He listened with pain 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 89 

to the vile stories circulated in those wilds where strangers sel- 
dom visited. Now he was to overcome such an organized resist- 
ance within their own country and surrounded by works with 
which they were perfectly familiar. It was evident to him that 
the advance should be made secretly and the attack a surprise, 
or his little band would be overwhelmed and cut to pieces by 
superior numbers. The distance by land through the wilder- 
ness was nearly 130 miles but that was not sufficient to dishearten 
a man with the energy of Colonel Clarke. Slowly and cau- 
tiously he led his men through the pathless forests, choosing 
an unfrequented route that they might not be discovered. Once 
the}' believed their guide to be a traitor and were on the verge 
of putting him in irons w'hen the poor fellow proved his inno- 
cence. Finally they reached the outskirts of the settlement of 
Kaskaskia where they made a halt until night should drop her 
sable curtain upon the earth. 

Attack upon Kaskaskia. — When the inhabitants closed 
their e3-es on the evening of July 3, 177S, little did they suspect 
the proximity of their dreaded foe silently awaiting a favorable 
opportunity to descend upon them. Fearless, they retired to 
their couches without taking any precaution against an attack. 
The Indians were their friends and had agreed to assist if their 
services were required. 

Clarke and a company of men were to secure the fort while 
two divisions w^ere to rush upon the citizens. In the dead of 
night the troops quietly stole upon the town. No sentinels \\ere 
on duty to give the alarm and their approach was not suspected 
until a signal was given to tell the others that the fortress had 
been taken. The soldiers then rushed into the streets with hide- 
ous cries. No imagination can picture the feelings of those poor 
French when they were awakened by the yells of the troojDS 
and the dismayed cry of their neighbors, — " Les long couteaux! 
Les long couteaux!" (the Long Knives). 

Should these terror-stricken creatures escape, Clarke feared 
that they would spread the alarm throughout the country and 
bring down upon him a large force of French and Indians. 
They were therefore driven back into their homes and com- 
pelled to remain. It was five days before Clarke could allay 



90 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



the fears of these superstitious people. He then said to the 
priests: "My countrymen disdain to make war upon helpless 
innocents. It was to protect our own wives and children that we 
penetrated the wilderness and subjugated this stronghold of 
British and Indians, who have practiced barbarism, and not our 
object to plunder your homes. We do not war against French- 
men. The King of France, your former ruler, is the ally of the 
colonies; his fleet and arms are fighting our battles, and the war 
must shortly terminate. Embrace whichever side you deem 
best, and enjoy your own religion, for American law respects 
the believers of every creed and protects them in their rights. 
And now to convince you of my sincerity, go and inform the 
inhabitants that they can dismiss their fears concerning their 
property and families; that they can conduct themselves as usual 
'and that their friends who are in confinement shall immediately 
be released." 

The few that had been taken prisoners were now released and 
the old cathedral bell rang joyfully. Shouts for Independence 
resounded from all parts of the town, while the priests hastened 
to Colonel Clark to apologize for their misconception of the 
Americans. 

Other Posts were also visited and taken without the shed- 
ding of blood. Even the vilest opposers of the American cause 
became its supporters. Clarke was highly esteemed and the 
name of Governor Henry was pronounced for the first time in 
Illinois. It may properly be said that Patrick Henry was a 
•Governor of infant Illinois, for she passed under the control of 
Virginia, July 4, 1778, two years after the signing of the Decla- 
ration of Independence. 

Having learned that the army was to proceed to Cahokia, 
influential citizens offered their services to conduct the expedition 
thither. Together the escorts and soldiers marched upon the 
settlement, not under cover of darkness but by daylight (July 10). 
Here, too, was a cry of "The Long Knives," but upon seeing 
the French from Kaskaskia the commotion was checked and 
soon the people were shouting for "Liberty and Freedom." 

Fort Vincennes was as easily taken. M. Gibault, a jDriest at 
Kaskaskia, also officiated at Vincennes. From him he learned 



SETTI.EMKNT PERIOD. 



9' 



that Governor Abbot had gone to Detroit on business, that a mil- 
itary expedition against the phice was unnecessary, and that the 
inliabitants were mostly under his supervision. He i^ledged 
himself to bring them over to the American cause if permitted 
to do so. The offer was accepted and through his agency the 
inhabitants threw off their allegiance to Great Britain, comjDell- 
ing the garrison to surrender the fort and abandon the place. 

For these services the Legislature of Virginia voted Colonel 
Clarke complimentary resolutions, the following November, and 
authorized him to hold the territory as a vassal of Virginia. 

Peoria. — Three soldiers were sent to Peoria Lake to ap- 
prise the settlers of the change in Government. The first resi- 
dence, they learned, was built in what is now Peoria by Robert 
Maillet, in 1761. This was followed by several others and the 
town was called La Ville de Maillet, in honor of the founder. 
Two block-houses were erected. These were used but a short 
time, there being no immediate danger, as the neighboring 
tribes were on friendly terms with them. The visitors described 
the town as composed of narrow streets and log houses, 
stretching along the lake for a considerable distance. They 
told of a vineyard and winepress in good order, the latter having 
a cellar beneath in which to store wine to give it age. A church, 
beautiful in comparison with the average places of worship, 
stood at the entrance of the town. A large wooden cross was 
set upon the roof, while over the door were gilt letters in 
French. A windmill had been erected for grinding grain and 
there were several buildings stored with goods for barter. The 
Peoria customs were similar to those of Kaskaskia though none 
could speak the English language, the inhabitants being French, 
Indians and half-breeds. 

Vincennes Taken and Re-taken.-When the news of 

Clarke's in\'asion reached Hamilton, the British Governor at 
Detroit, he hastily collected a force of British, French Canadians 
and Indians, numbering in all about 4S0 men, and set out in the 
fall of i77Sto re-capture Vmcennes. The garrison now con- 
sisted of one private and one ofllcer. However, the brave com- 
mander, Captain Helm, determined against allowing the Indian 
allies full swa}- in their barbarity, stood in the gateway beside a 



92 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

loaded cannon and, as Hamilton advanced to within hailing dis- 
tance, ordered him to halt. The British, not knowing the 
strength of the garrison, paused while Hamilton demanded his 
surrender. Helm replied that he must first know the terms. 
Thereupon he promised the honors of war and a capitulation 
was agreed upon, when Captain Helm and one private marched 
out, December 14, 1778, and the British again unfurled their 
flag over the defences. 

Clark fully realized the danger of allowing this post to re- 
main in the hands of the enemy, knowing their attention would 
next be directed to Kaskaskia and Cahokia, and that, as soon 
as the spring floods would sufliciently subside to allow an easy 
expedition. Accordingly, February 7, 1779, he commenced the 
march thither with 175 men. Captain Rogers having been sent 
with forty-two men and two four-pounders in a boat to a point 
below the mouth of White River upon the Wabash. His orders 
were to allow no one to pass in either direction. 

Clarke and his men endured many hardships on this trip. 
Swamps were numerous and filled with water; rivers and creeks 
were overflowing the land and running in strong cuiTents, while 
the party were poorly equipped and tlie march had to be per- 
formed without delay. They arrived at the mouth of the Little 
Wabash on the 13th only to find the country submerged in a 
continuous sheet of water from two to four feet deep through 
which they waded for a distance of fifteen miles. To keep the 
men in good spirits and nerved for their difficult journey Colonel 
Clarke de^■ised and encouraged many little pleasantries. A lively 
Irish drummer boy, who was versed in the songs of his country, 
chanced to be in the command. He was the right fellow in the 
right place. While the others were wading water to their arm- 
pits, he was perched upon the shoulders of the tallest man, playing 
his drum and singing comic songs. On the evening of the iSth 
they arrived at the mouth of the Embarras River and, having 
no means of crossing, were detained two days. Fortune again 
smiled upon them. On the 20th a j^arty of Indians chanced to 
be passing in a boat which was borrowed to transport the men 
to the other side. Here they were within sound of the morning 
and evening gun at the fort. They learned that the people were 



SETTLEMENT PEHIOD. 93 

wholly unaware of their approach. Now came the last full clay's 
march, it being the most hazardous of all. Clarke says, " I un- 
fortunately spoke in a serious manner to one of the officers ; the 
whole were alarmed without knowing what I said. I viewed 
their confusion a minute, then said to those near to do as I did. I 
immediately put some water into my hand, poured 2:>owder on it, 
blackened my face, gave the war whoop and marched into the 
water. The party immediately followed, one after another, 
without uttering a word of complaint. I ordered those near me 
to sing a favorite song, which soon passed through the line and 
all went cheerfully." During the night they rested on dry land 
but in the morning another and the last deep sheet of water lay 
before them. This they were to cross to meet death, captivity 
or victory, they knew not which. Clarke says, " We had ob- 
served several men out on horseback shooting ducks and sent out 
active yovmg Frenchmen to decoy and take one of them pris- 
oner, in such a manner as not to alarm the others. Being suc- 
cessful, in addition to the information which had been obtained 
from those taken on the river, the captive reported that the Brit- 
ish had that evening completed the wall of the fort, and that 
there were a good many Indians in town. Our situation was 
truly critical. No possibility of retreat in case of defeat, and in 
full view of the town, \^ hich, at this time, had 600 men in it — 
troops, inhabitants and Indians. * * * * j Je. 

termined to commence operations immediately, and wrote the 
following placard to the people of the town. 'To the inhabit- 
ants of Vincennes: Gentlemen, being now within two miles of 
your town with my army, determined to take your fort this 
night, and not being willing to surprise you, I take this opportu- 
nity to request such of you as are true citizens, and willing to 
enjoy the liberty which I bring you, to remain still in your 
houses, and those, if any there be, who are friends of the King, 
let them instantly repair to the fort and join the hair-buyer Gen- 
eral, and fight like men. And if any of the latter do not go to 
the fort, and shall be discovered afterward, they may depend 
upon severe punishment. On the contrary, those wdio are true 
friends to liberty, mav depend upon being well treated, and I 
once more request them to keep out of the streets, for every one 



54 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

I find in arms on my ai'rival shall be treated as an enemy.'" 

This letter filled the enemy with dismay and made the cap- 
ture less difficult, though not without an engagement in which 
the British could not bring their guns to bear directly upon 
their foe because of their elevated position, thus overshooting. 
Whenever a port-hole opened, aim was brought upon it by half 
a score of rifles. This disheartened the garrison and secured a 
speedy capitulation, on Washington's birthday, February 22, 
1779. This ended the Revolutionary War in the West. 



Illinois County. — County Framed. — In October, 1778, 
the General Assembly of Virginia erected the conquered country, 
embracing all the territory northwest of Ohio River, into the 
Count}' of Illinois. This is said to have been the largest county 
in the world. It included what is now Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Michigan and Wisconsin, an area of 250,000 square miles. The 
following is the substance of a few ordinances for the govern- 
ment of this county passed in the session of 17S3: 

That the French and Canadian inhabitants, and other settlers 
of the Kaskaskias, St Vincents, and the neigboring villages, who 
have professed themselves citizens of Virginia, shall have their 
possessions and titles confirmed to them, and be protected in the 
enjoyment of their rights and liberties. That a quantity, not 
exceeding 150,000 acres of land, promised by this State, shall be 
granted to the then Colonel, now General George Rogers 
Clarke, and the officers and soldiers of his regiment, who marched 
with him when the posts of Kaskaskia and St. Vincents were 
reduced, and to the officers and soldiers that have since been in- 
corporated into the said regiment, to be laid off in oAe tract, the 
length of which is not to exceed double the breadth, in such 
place on the northwest side of the Ohio as a majority of the offi- 
cers shall choose, and to be afterward divided among the said 
officers and soldiers in proportion according to the law of Vir- 
ginia. 

Governor-Generals. — Colonel John Todd of Kentucky 
was appointed by Patrick Henry, Governor-General over this 
territory and was implored to deal mildly with the Indians and 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 95 

make friends with them ; to settle all questions of boundary, 
if possible, in their favor; to allow the Catholics and other creeds, 
if such there were, full benefit of their religious rights; in other 
words, make the land a home of peace and liberty, returning, 
as nearly as possible, to the former mode of living. 

In June, 1779, Colonel Todd arrived at Kaskaskia which he 
made the capital of the whole county. He ruled with a mild 
hand and was a favorite among the people, frequently going 
East to learn of the best forms of government under the circum- 
stances. In his consultations he gained the best advice as he 
sought the most enlightened men upon self-government. He 
had command of the troops of Kentucky, which position he had 
not resigned on receiving his appointment in Illinois. In 17S2 
he fought a desperate battle at Blue Licks in that State where 
he was killed. 

Timothy de ISJontbrun, a Frenchman, was appointed Todd's 
successor. Little in known of this ruler as the settlements were 
comparatively forgotten and even the important events were 
allowed to sink into oblivion until 1787, when the jurisdiction 
of Illinois passed under the government of the Northwest Ter- 
ritory. General Clarke remained military commander until 17S3. 
No attempt had been made by the British to continue the con- 
test after the surrender oi Cornwallis at Yorktown and a final 
peace was this year established by which the colonies were ac- 
knowledged independent and thei"e was no further need of an 
army in the West. 

New Settlements were added to the county. In 17S1 an 
expedition started from Maryland for Western lands, intending- 
to erect homes in the wilderness. James Moore, Shadrach 
Bond, Robert Kidd, Larken Rutherford and James Garretson, 
afterward all prominent men, were among the number. After 
crossing the Alleghanies they took canoes and floated down the 
Ohio to the Mississippi which they ascended to what is now^ 
Monroe County, about half way between Kaskaskia and St.. 
Louis. The three former settled in the " Great American Bot- 
tom," but the two latter chose a more frequented spot — Belle- 
fontaine. 

In early days certain places were chosen by those journeying; 



96 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

from one settlement to another as suitable for camping and re- 
cruiting. Here also engagements were filled for trade or con- 
sultation and public gatherings were held. Bellefontaine, so 
named because of a crystal fountain bubbling up cool and spark- 
ling bv the roadside between Cahokia and Kaskaskia, was not of 
the least favored of these points. Near by was a beautiful^grove 
in which James Garretson and Larken Rutherford erected their 
humble dwellings; but pleasanter, more inviting homes it would 
be difficult to find. 



STORIES. 

Pontiac's Plan. — A greater leader than Pontiac, chief of 
the Ottawas, probably never lived in the United States. But he 
was treacherous — could not be depended upon by persons he re- 
garded as enemies. He had formed a strong attachment for the 
French and when the English came to take possession of the 
■western forts, after the Boundary War, he stood a barrier in their 
way. At the time of the Indian outbreak in 1760, this chief was 
commander of the warriors about Detroit where Major Rogers 
was ordered to take command. He says, " As I approached 
Detroit at the head of a military force I was met by an embassy 
from one who came to let me know that Pontiac was at a small 
distance, coming peacefully ; and that he desired me to halt until 
he could see me with his own eyes. His enibassador had also 
orders to inform me ' that he was Pontiac the king and lord of 
the country I was in.' When we afterward met he demanded 
my business in his country, and how I dared to enter it without 
his leave. I informed him that it was not with any design against 
the Indians that I came, but to remove the French out of the 
country who had prevented the friendly intercourse between the 
English and the Indians. He thereupon told me that he stood 
in my path and gave me a string of wampum as much as to say, 
' you need not march further without my leave.' At the second 
meeting we smoked the calumet together and he assured me 
that he had made peace with me and my detachment, and that I 
might pass through his country unmolested and relieve the 
French garriscwis." 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 97 

Soon after Major Gladwin took command at Detroit, Pon- 
tiac and forty warriors presented themselves at the fort and 
-offered to entertain the garrison with a dance. Having been 
admitted, the dance began while a few skulked about, peeping 
into every nook to ascertain the condition of the surroudings, 
the commander and his troops not suspecting the fiendish de- 
signs of the jolly crowd. The plan w^as to again visit the fort 
with concealed weapons and then, at a given signal, they were 
to kill the officers while many other warriors would scale the 
ramparts from without. 

When Pontiac returned to camp he told his men all about the 
fort and the manner of the attack. While in their midst he be- 
gan the war-dance and was soon joined by the entire assembly. 
This was the signal to prepare. Savages would congregate in 
bodies and enumerate the scalps they would bring to the village, 
while the women and children listened attentively to their boast- 
ing remarks. But among them was a faithless girl who shud- 
dered at their designs. She had occasionally visited the fort and 
on the day previous to the intended attack told the commander 
of the plot. 

That evening the still air bore distant sounds of war-whoops 
and dancing to the inmates of the fort. The girl's story was 
confirmed. Next morning as the mists cleared awav, Pontiac 
and his men departed upon their mission of destruction. Sixty 
advanced to the fort and applied for admittance. Beneath their 
long cloaks were secreted weapons intended for use when once 
within the walls. The gates were opened and the array of large 
dignified warriors filed in. They were greatly surprised on en- 
tering to find lines of armed men on all sides ready for action. 
All the soldiers were in full uniform and traders had assembled 
to assist if needed. The fierce looks cast about by the chiefs 
further verified the story of the beautiful Indian girl, though an 
attack was not feared. Not so easily changed in his intentions 
was Pontiac, Several times he was in the act of giving the sig- 
nal, previously agreed upon, but each time changed his mind 
and finally gave orders to pass out. The Indians hiding about 
the fort were surprised at receiving no order to advance and 
when the chiefs returned without the spoils of a massacre their 



98 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

thirst for blood could not be restrained. 

Two days later the place was again surrounded by Pontiac 
and his allies, when a siege was begun. Burning missiles were 
hurled into it from all sides which set fire to the buildings threat- 
ening destruction. The garrison dug wells to get sufficient water 
to quench the flames. They finally succeeded in clearing away 
the trees and rocks, behind which the Indians secreted themselves, 
thus putting an end to the destruction. This siege was contin- 
ued forty days. For the sustenance of the warriors Pontiac 
gave the inhabitants of the locality a form of note on birch 
bark which were afterward all paid. 



All Indian Legend is generally far from being reliable 
but in relation to the destruction of the Illinois tribes, much of the 
following is true. The correct account of the death of Pontiac 
has been given in a previous topic. The legend is as follows: 

After the close of the war, at Detroit, Pontiac and his tribe 
had located upon territory belonging to the Illinois on Kankakee 
River. After remaining for some time as if intending to make 
it their permanent abode, they were ordered off by the owners 
of the land. Not complying, the Illinois threatened war against 
them. On one occasion a party of hunters (Ottawas) were at- 
tacked by them. After this a council was called at which 
Kineboo, the Illinois chief, became enraged at the remarks of 
Pontiac and stabbed him. This nerved not only the Ottawas 
but the Chippewas, Shawnees, Kickapoos and Miamis, who 
joined in an attack upon the Illinois proper. 

All their villages were destroyed except La Vantum, the prin- 
cipal town, which was well fortified and was the abode of the 
chief and his bravest men. This being left, the Illinois had 
about abandoned the fear of further trouble, when, in the midst 
of a marriage feast, their foes appeared with the skull and cross- 
bones of Pontiac upon a pole, emblemating a vow to share the 
fate of their leader or have revenge. 

The Illinois fought bravely and repulsed them time and again 
though they were outnumbered three to one. Night came on; 
the warriors concluded they could not stand another battle with 



SETTLEMENT PERIOD. 



99 



an adversary that fought so well and were still receiving re- 
enforcements. Accordingly they retreated to the opposite side 
of the river and fortified themselves upon a rocky height, which 
unfortunate move christened it " Starved Rock," once the loca- 
tion of La Salle's Fort St. Louis and where he received word 
of his downfall. 

Here they were attacked but in their commanding position 
could repulse the allied tribes who were then satisfied to turn the 
attack into a siege. Provisions "then grew short and this once 
energetic tribe was reduced to starvation rather than brutally die 
at the hands of their unmerciful enemies. Graduallv death re- 
lieved them until the dreaded tomahawk put on the finishing 
stroke. Thus, in 1769, the nation was annihilated and its mem- 
bers strewed over the fields where they had once been so pros- 
perous and happy. 





TERRITORIAL PERIOD. 




NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



EPARATED.— T h e tract of country 
known as the County of Illinois was sepa- 
rated from Virginia and ceded by her to 
the United States in 17S4; Thomas Jef- 
ferson, Thomas Lee, James Monroe and 
Samuel Hardy being the delegates to 
Congress to enact the cession. Virginia 
was re-imbursed for the sum she had ex- 
pended in establishing the new Govern- 
ment and in its maintenance. The territory 
-est of the Alleghanies and north of the Ohio 
Great were the expectations of the people 
as to the future prospects of this vast and beautiful 
region. 

Laws. — Following is a brief summary of the 
princijDal ordinances passed July 13, 17S7, for the gov- 
ernment of the newly organized tract under the name 
of the Northwest Territory. They were not enforced 
until 1790, when Governor St. Clair arrived: 

I. The territory might be divided at some future 
time into two divisions. 

n. Congress should appoint a Governor whose 
office would continue three years unless that body 
chose to revoke the appointment. Congress should 
also appoint a Secretary and Judges, the former under the same 
conditions as the Governor, the latter during good behavior. 



I02 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

III. The Governor was made Commander-in-chief of the 
army. 

IV. When the census of the territory would reach 5,000 
inhabitants, Representatives should be chosen, one for every 500 
free male citizens over twenty-one years of age. 

V. Representatives were to serve two years. In case of 
death the Governor should call an election in that district to fill 
the vacancy. 

VI. There should be formed in the territory not less than 
three nor more than fixe States, and the boundaries stand- as fol- 
lows: The western State should be bounded by the Mississippi, 
the Ohio and the Wabash rivers, a direct line drawn from the 
Wabash and Post Vincents, due north to the territorial line be- 
tween the United States and Canada, and by the said territorial 
line to the Lake of the Woods and Mississippi River. The middle 
State should be bounded by the said direct line, the Wabash from 
Post Vincents to the Ohio, by the Ohio by a direct line drawn due 
north from the mouth of the Great Miami to the said territorial 
line. The eastern State should be bounded by the last mentioned 
line, the Ohio, Pennsylvania and the said territorial line. It was 
further declared that the boundaries of these three States should 
be subject so far to be altered, that, if Congress should there- 
after find it expedient it should have authority to form one or 
two States in that part of said territory which lies north of an 
east and west line drawn through the southernly bend or extreme 
of Lake Michigan. And whenever any of the said States should 
have 60,000 free inhabitants therein, such State should be ad- 
mitted, through its delegates, into the Congress of the United 
States, on an equal footing with the original States in all respects 
whatever; and should be at liberty to form a permanent consti- 
tution and State Government. 

VII. Slavery was in a manner prohibited. Slaves brought 
into the State wei'e compelled t^ sign an agreement to work for 
their masters a certain number of years ; if they did not sign this 
the master had sixty days in which to sell them. Those under 
age were to work for their masters thirty-two years and then 
becouie free. 

First Territorial Government. — Governor St. 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. IO3 

Clair. — The Governorship was given to Arthur St. Clair, on 
October 5, 1787. On July 9 this venerable gentleman, who had 
been an esteemed officer of the Revolutionary War, arrived at 
Marietta, in the State of Ohio, where he began his administration, 
thus changing the capital of Illinois to a point outside the present 
State, where it i^emained until the territory was divided. St. 
Clair's administration was a success. In the following summer, 
after taking command, the Governor and his three Judges met at 
the capital and framed a code of laws, by which to act in their 
dealings with citizens at variance and for the enforcement of 
peace and morality. 

Punishment. — The only punishment by death was for mur- 
der, treason and arson. Pillories w^ere not sparingly used in those 
days, neither was the whip — most frequently for larceny, burg- 
lary, perjury and robbery. Drunkenness was subject to a fine, 
and if not paid, the offender w^as placed in the stocks for a spec- 
ified time according to the misdemeanor. For a great offense 
by a person not able to pay the fine, the sheriff had the power to 
sell the person to an idividual who would treat him as a slave, 
often requiring his services for a period of seven years. 

President Washington's Request. — Up to 17SS little 
had been done for the welfare of the settlers of Illinois, yet the 
people of that locality were not entirely idle. This year the 
Governor was authorized to direct his attention to the settlement 
of Vincennes and especially those along the Mississippi River. 
He gave the French deeds for the lands they occupied, provided 
they would swear allegiance to the United States. Of this 
Washington w^as not wholly ignorant, for he referred to the 
matter on several occasions; once, especially, when he wrote, in 
1789, "You will proceed, as soon as you can with safetv, to ex- 
ecute the orders of the late Congress respecting the inhabitants 
of Post Vincennes, at the Kaskaskia and other villages along 
the Mississippi." 

This called forth immediate action on the part of Governor 
St. Clair who, in February, 1790, departed upon his mission, ac- 
companied by Secretary Sargeant. He made many acquaintan- 
ces from whom he learned much about the most valuable and 
unknown territory- over which he had control. Upon his arrival 



I04 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Ill Illinois he found the country greatly reduced from the condition 
in which he had expected to find it. Many people of enterprise 
had died and others had moved away; disputes had arisen as to 
the limits of claims and there was no authority by which to de- 
cide the matter. In consequence the people had no ambition to 
go on in the arduous task of building up the country and yet 
maintain a subsistence. The bison by this time had all been 
frightened from east of the Mississippi; Indians were not so flush 
with game as in the days of La Salle; trade with them had di- 
minished and a few tribes were hostile tO' the settlers, especially 
so to the colonists who had lately arrived from the East. 

The Survey Question. — The present plan for the sur- 
vey of the Northwest, instituted by Thomas Jefferson, had been 
authorized by Congress. P. Gibault, the priest whodld so much 
for Colonel Clarke on his mission of bringing over the western 
posts to the cause of Independence,, was yet living and, on Gov- 
ernor St. Clair's visit, presented tO' him ia a friendly manner the 
following with eighty-eight signatures: 

" The memorial humbly shovveth, that by an act of Congress 
of June 20, 17SS, it was declared lihat the lands^ heretofore pos- 
sessed by the said Inhabitants, should be surveyed at their ex- 
pense ; and that this clause appears to them neither necessary nor 
adapted to the quiet minds of the people.. It does not appear 
necessarv, because from the establishment of the colony to this 
day, thev have enjoyed their property and possessions without 
disputes or lawsuits on the subject of their limits; that the sur- 
veys of them were made at the time the concessions were ob- 
tained from the ancient kings, lords and commandants; and that 
each of them knew what belonged to him without attempting 
an encroachment on his neighbor, or fearing that his neighbor 
might encroach upon him. It does not appear adapted to pacify 
them; because, instead of assuring to tiiem the peaceable posses- 
sion of their ancient inheritances, as they have enjoyed it till 
now, that clause obliges them to bear expenses which, in their 
present situation, they are absolutely incapable of paying, and 
for the failure of which they must be deprived of their lands. 

"Your Excellency is an eye-witness of the poverty to which 
the inhabitants are reduced, and of the total want of provisions 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. IO5 

to subsist on. Not knowing where to find a morsel of bread to 
nourish their famiHes, by what means can they support the ex- 
penses of a survey which has not been sought for on their parts, 
and for which, it is conceived by them, tliere is no necessity? 
Loaded with misery and groaning under tlie weight of misfort- 
unes, accumuhxted since the Virginia troops entered the country, 
the unhappy inhabitants throw themselves under the protection 
of Your Excellency and take the liberty to solicit you to lay 
their deplorable situation before Congress; and as it mav be in- 
teresting for the United States to know exactly the extent and 
limits of their possessions, in order to ascertain the lands which 
are yet at the disposal of Congress, it appears to them, in their 
humble opinion, that the expenses of the survey ought more 
properly to be borne by them for whom it is useful, than by them 
who do not feel the necessity of it. Besides, this is no object for 
the United States; but it is great, too great, for a few unhappy 
beings who, Your Excellency sees yourself, are scarcely able to 
support their pitiful existence." 

Orders were issued for a general survey but this did not remove 
the obstacle in the way of development of the French colonies 
and they gradually dwindled away, having learned to live in an 
Indian fashion. But few descedants of the first settlers of Illinois 
are anywhere to be found. 

FRONTIER WARS. 1783-I794. 

Cause.- — Though a treaty had been agreed upon, in 17S3, 
that restored peace between England and the colonies, by which 
the latter also gained their independence, yet the British agents 
were not idle in arousing the Indians against the settlers of the 
Northwest — the Mississippi River formed the western boundary 
of the United States, and Great Britain entertained the fond 
hope of finally making the Ohio the northern. Her subjects 
continued to trade with the Indians of this region, whom they 
found jealous of the settlers and in a rebellious spirit. Thev not 
only encouraged warfare, but advocated the scalping knife upon 
all White settlers found west of the Alleghanies and north of 
the Ohio. . Their efforts were not barren of results. A con- 
federation of all the tribes was formed and a thoroughly organ- 



lo6 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ized campaign arranged, but the attacks naturally fell upon the 
present States of Ohio and Indiana. 

The Kickapoo Wars began in 1785 and continued two 
years. Their old chief Pecon thought he could subdue the set- 
tlers of the West and began hostilities. To his surprise he found 
some good fighters ready for him. The Indians sallied forth in 
bands of from ten to fifty, stealing upon the Whites unawares. 

In 17S6 they niade prisoners of two children of William Gar- 
retson, whom they took to Salem Fork on the Sangamon. Here 
the children were found, but their captors would only consent 
to release them upon the payment of a liberal ransom. The 
same year they attacked the settlement at Belltfontaine, Monroe 
County, killed five of the number and took several prisoners. 

To prevent these depredations the people formed a society 
known as Rangers. Whenever the Indians made an attack the 
members of the organization were notified by messengers, and 
soon a body of armed men would be in hot pursuit. The Rang- 
ers, together with the block-houses, proved of great benefit in 
vanquishing these foes. 

Illinois W^arfare. — Through the untiring efforts of Gov- 
ernor St. Clair a treaty was formed with several tribes, but they 
were broken by dissensions. Daily the war cloud grew thicker 
and darker. Finally the savage thirst for blood, plunder and 
revenge burst forth w^ith all its fury. Father would be killed 
in the field, mother and children at their homes. The innocent 
and helpless were scalped that the marauder might take his 
wigwam trophies to prove his worth as a destroyer of lives. 
Frequently individuals were taken prisoners and, at times, treated 
with courtesy. 

In a contest at Belief ontaine, in the early spring of 178S, be- 
tween a band of Kickapoos and four settlers, John Villis was 
killed and William Biggs taken prisoner. The latter was treated 
kindly and even offered the daughter of a chief in marriage. He 
was afterward liberated through the influence of French traders 
and allowed to return to his home. Mr. Biggs became a noted 
citizen, occupying a seat in the Territorial Legislature and after- 
ward chosen Judge of the County Court. Three boys were 
attacked near a block-house. Two escaped, but one was struck 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. IO7 

with a tomahawk and scalped. He was not fatally injured, 
however, and finally recovered. 

In 1790 James Smith, a Baptist minister, was attacked by a 
band of Kickapoos who took him prisoner while engaged in 
pra3er for a poor woman and child whom he saw them killing. 
They had intended to destroy him also, but seehig his attitude of 
prayer and hearing him sing, they thought he was in intercourse 
with the Great Spirit and the scalping knife was for once spared. 
He was laden with plunder and compelled to march by their 
side until he sunk beneath the hot sun and heavy burden. Again 
they consulted, uncertain what to do with him, when he laid bare 
his bosom and told them to kill him if they washed, at the same 
time pointing toward Heaven. This move of fearless submission 
touched their savage hearts; he was unloaded, thereafter treated 
with the greatest respect, and ransomed by the settlers of New 
Design. The same year a party of the Osage tribe attacked a 
settlement and led off many horses. In an attempt to recapture 
the property one of the party was killed. 

In 1791 John Dempsey was fired upon, but escaped injury 
and gave the alarm. A company collected and started in pur- 
suit under the leadership of Captain Hall, A fight ensued in 
the proverbial Indian fashion, both parties taking to the trees. 
The red skins were driven from the neighborhood with the loss 
of five while the settlers escaped even a scratch. 

Another band of Kickapoos entered the American Bottom 
(Mississippi bottom opposite St. Louis) and stole nine hoises. 
This was in the vicinity of Captain William Whitesides, who 
gave chase. An engagement follow ed in which several Indians 
were killed. So vigorous was the onset, that the terrified sav- 
ages, believing themselves surrounded by an overwhelming 
army at once surrendered the stolen property and sent an aged 
chief to negotiate for peace. When this brave leader learned of 
the insignificant number of the adversary he called to his com- 
rades to renew the contest, but they were already beyond reach 
of his voice, fearing that the wrath of the Whites could not be 
appeased. The chief was then disarmed and told to flee for his 
life. This locality was not again disturbed. In 1795, however, 
Captain Whitesides led an expedition against a band of warriors, 



108 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

encamped on the bluffs near Belleville. In the engagement the 
Captain was shot in the side, he thought fatally. As he fell he 
exhorted one of his sons near by to fight bravely and not allow 
an Indian to touch him. Another son was shot through the arm 
and disabled. He crept to his father whom, he expected, would 
soon expire. In examining the wound he traced the course of 
the bullet around the ribs to a spot near the spine where he found 
it lodged. Taking out an old pen-knife he cut the lead out and, 
holding it up, exclaimed, "Father, you are not dead yet." The 
old veteran sprung to his feet and said, " Come along boys, I can 
still fight them." 

In the same year (1795) the family of Mr. MacMahan was 
attacked when his wife and four children were killed before his 
face and their bodies laid in a row on the floor. Making 
prisoners of Mr. MacMahan and a grown daughter, they 
depaited for their towns. On the second night of their encamp- 
ment MacMahan, finding the Indians asleep, put on a pair of 
their moccasins and made his escape. He arrived at the settle- 
ments just as the neighbors were burying his family. They had 
enclosed the bodies in rude cofiins and were engaged in putting 
the sod on their graves as he came in sight. He looked on the 
newly-formed hillocks, and raising his eyes to Heaven in pious 
resignation said, "They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, 
and in death they are not divided." His remaining daughter 
was afterward ransomed by the charitable contributions of the 
settlers. 

Indiana Warfare. — General Harmer's Expedition. 
— As the confedei^ation of tribes was some time in forming, so 
it took a long while to break up the war without bringing large 
armies into the West and completely annihilating the Indians. 
Records show that over 1,500 Whites were murdered or carried 
into captivity between 1 7S3 and 1 790 in the Northwest Territory 
alone. British traders yet kept up a continual agitation of war 
among the savages, assuring them that their king would unite 
with the Indians and assist them to drive out the intruders. 
These busybodies even held forts which they claimed to be places 
of refuge for themselves and the settlers, but, when war broke 
out, they closed doors on the helpless people and revealed all their 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. 



top 



knowledge to the Indians. This was clearly shown in an expe- 
dition against the towns on the headwaters of the Wabash and 
upon the Maumee, led by General Harmer, in the autumn of 
1790. The General unsuspiciously sent word to the British at 
Detroit, that the expedition was exclusively against the Indians. 
The fact was revealed to the savages who deserted their towns, 
only leaving what they could not take with them. 

Battle of the Wabash — Other expeditions were sent 
out but few, however, were successful. The most disastrous \\ as 
that led by the Governor himself. He had become old and in- 
firm and at the time of this battle was so afflicted with the gout 
that he could neither ride nor walk, but was carried at the head 
of his men on a litter, from wdiich he issued orders. 

When twenty-nine miles from Fort Jefferson and while pass- 
ing through a deep ravine, the channel of a tributary of the 
Wabash, November 4, 1791, he was suddenly attacked by a large 
force of Indians in ambush, commanded by Little Turtle. They 
were well managed. Hardly had the engagement commenced 
until they were pouring a deadly fire upon the Whites, an army 
of backwoodsmen, who became panic stricken and took to flight. 
Of the 1,400 engaged, 900 were slain and left strewed upon the 
ground to be devoured by the scavengers of the air and forest. 

Effect. — This victory was an encouragement to the foe and 
long did they dance that evening about their spoils — plunder, 
scalps and the dying. General Wayne afterward camped upon 
the spot where this carnage took place and, though a period of 
three years had elapsed, over 600 skulls were in view and it was 
necessary to scrape the bones away to prepare a place for camp- 
fires. A peace commission asked to negotiate with the Indians 
after this but in council at the Maumee Rapids in which sixteen 
tribes were represented, the following was the reply: 

"Brothers: We shall be persuaded that you mean to do us 
justice, if you agree that the Ohio shall remain the boundary 
line between us. * * * Money to us is of no value; 

and to most of us unknown; and, as no consideration whatever 
can induce us to sell the lands on which we get sustenance for 
our women and children, we hope we may be allowed to point 
out a mode by which your settlers may be easily removed and 



I lO HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

peace thereby obtained. 

" BrotKers: We know that these settlers are poor, or they 
never would have ventured to live in a country which has been 
in continual trouble ever since they crossed the Ohio. Divide, 
therefore, this large sum of money which you have offered to 
us among these j^eople. Give to each, also, a proportion of 
what you say you would give to us, annually, over and above 
this very large svnn of money; and as we are persuaded, they 
would most readily accept of it in lieu of the land vou sold 
them. If you add, also, the great sums you must expend in 
raising and paying armies, with a view to force us to yield you 
our country, you will certainly have more than sufficient for the 
purpose of repaying these settlers for all their labor and their 
improvements. * * * \^q want peace. Restore 

to us our country and ^ve shall be enemies no longer," 

This speech was dictated by British traders who hoped to 
secure the land for themselves. The object was not to take the 
land from Indians but to keep the British from the territory, who 
deserved punishment for their wholesale crime. The Americans 
desired to enforce a treaty similar to that with the Illinois and 
Wabash tribes. This gave the Indians control of the land save 
what had been previously purchased and no other would be 
taken without the payment of a sum agreed upon. 

Battle of the Maumee. — After the defeat of Governor 
St. Clair, General Anthony B. Wayne, who won the appellation 
of " Mad Anthony " by his daring bravery, was placed in com- 
mand. Little Turtle declared that he was a leader who never 
slept and advised peace ; but the Indians rejected his counsel, 
and a despei'ate battle was fought on the Maumee, August 
20, 1794. The savages were completely routed and pursued for 
fifty miles, Wayne laying waste their towns and villages for 
some distance. 

Peace. — A treaty was then made by which the Indians gave 
up all of Ohio and a portion of Indiana. In the same fall Mr. 
Jay effected a treaty with Great Britain by which the traders 
were withdrawn; thus the British w^ere no more among the red 
men arousing them against the settlers. General Wayne told 
the warriors before leaving them, that, if they violated the treaty 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. Ill 

even after he was dead, he would arise and fight them. These 
parting words also had their effect and the peace was lasting. 



Noble Women. — The settlements had been greatly aided 
in overcoming their difficulties by a number of noble women 
who were always anxious to preserve peace if possible. Among 
these during the late Indian wars was Mrs. LeCompt. Her 
first husband was St. Ange; second, LeCompt; and last, Thomas 
Brady. She was generally known, however, as Mrs. LeCompt. 
She possessed the wonderful power, so lacking among the earl}- 
settlers, of inducing the Indians to listen to her and acquiesce in 
her provisions for peace. Often when an enraged band appeared 
before the village in which she resided, when the settlers were 
all in arms, the women and children weeping lest they should 
all be scalped, this woman would hasten out unarmed, unprotected 
and meet the foe. Soon she would return with a number, some- 
times twenty of the chiefs, and a peace contract would be signed. 
She never failed to bring about a reconciliation. She also pos- 
sessed many friends among the Indians who would lay down 
their lives rather than see Mrs. LeCompt suffer the slightest 
torture. These friends frequently informed her of intended at- 
tacks; and thus the people would be on their guard. Her sole 
ambition was the welfare of her people and an affectionate friend- 
ship with the Indians. Only one true to such a cause, would 
venture out in the dead of night to meet a band of blood-thirsty 
hounds ready to lick the blood of their foes. 

New Settlements were made in Illinois during the time 
that it was a part of the Northwest Territory, notwithstanding 
the horrors of Indian warfare. In 1790 Joseph Motte, a French- 
man, established a, ferry across the Wabash at Vincennes. 
Though there was much difficulty in defending himself against 
the Indians, he was successful and gained the patronage of an 
extensive tra\el in a few years. This caused settlers to venture 
to the Illinois side of the river. 

The same year ( 1790) Jean Baptiste, a slave residing with his 
master near Lexington, Kentucky, made good his escape; and 
taking with him his master's gun, fled to the Indians in Illinois* 



112 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

As he had once been a captive and Hved among them a few 
years, he had learned their manners, customs and language. In 
an Indian village on the Des Plaines he was united with a squaw 
in marriage, at which place he remained until 1796, when he de- 
parted with his family for the mouth of Chicago River where 
he made his home. Thus the first white settler of the metropo- 
lis of the West was a negro with his red and black family. At 
this point Baptiste traded with the Indians for several years. 

James Piggott of Connecticut arrived in Monroe County in 
1783 and built a fort, afterward known as Fort Piggott. In 
1790 forty-three families had congregated at this place, which 
proved a safe refuge for them, and the settlement continued to 
prosper for many years. In 1795 the same man established a 
ferry at St. Louis, which became the main point of communica- 
tion between the Spanish settlements on the west side of the 
river and the English and French on the east. From this date 
the present Monroe County was a favorite locality for settle- 
ment. 

Cahokia w^as, from 1780 to 1800, the leading Indian head- 
quarters for all western tribes. Julian Dubuque lived here for 
several years but in 178S purchased a tract of land near the city 
that bears his name. Other traders made Cahokia their ren- 
dezvous and the town often had many strangers within its limits. 

A New County. — The settlements of Illinois had been 
converted into one county, known as St. Clair. The census of 
1790 showed a white population of 1,200 and the people 
were distributed over a large sweep of territory. In 1795 a 
divison was made, the line extending eastward about midway 
between Kaskaskia and St. Louis. All the territory lying north 
of this line was styled St. Clair County and all south, Randolph 
County. 



INDIANA TERRITORY. 



Formation. — The census of 1790 showed a population of 
1,200 Whites in Illinois and in the whole territory it amounted 
to 12,000. The White population in Ohio alone numbered over 
5,000 at the close of 1796. This entitled the people to a first 



TERUITORIAI. PERIOD. II3 

class territorial government. In 179S Governor St. Clair issued 
an order for an election of Representatives. The large tract of 
land included in the Northwest Territory was divided May 7, 
iSoo. All that portion lying east of the line drawn from the 
mouth of the Kentucky River through Fort Recovery to the 
British possessions, west of Pennsylvania and north of the Ohio, 
was included in Ohio Territory, and the remainder known as 
Indiana Territory. 

July 4, of the same year, the law passed into effect and the 
capital was located at Vincennes. William Henry Harrison, after- 
ward President of the United States and long known as " Tip- 
pecanoe Harrison," was chosen Governor; John Gibson, Secre- 
tary ; and William Clark, John Griffin and Henry Vanderburg, 
Judges. These were able men, under whose administration the 
country made rapid progress. Governor Harrison did not arrive 
until the follow^ing January and the office was filled by Mr. 
Gibson, the Secretary. UjDon his arrival he set about organiz- 
ing and arranging a code of laws. He called together the 
Judges, and the law making body continued in session two weeks. 

Increased Domain. — Up to iSoo all the territory west 
of the Mississippi was owned by Spain, of which there were over 
a million square miles. It was known as Louisiana Territory 
and was ceded back to France, the original claimant. In 1803 
the United States purchased this large tract of Napoleon who was, 
at the time, in need of money to carry on the war in Europe 
which he had set about to conquer. The amount paid was $15,- 
000,000. 

In 1804 all the possessions of the United States west of the 
Mississippi were included in Indiana Territory. This union 
lasted only one year, when Louisiana was detached and formed 
into a separate territory. The purchase of this domain was a 
signal for much rejoicing throughout the West, for the Missis- 
sippi became entirely under the control of the States. For a few 
years after Indiana Territory had been established a series of 
treaties, including a large land-purchase, were made with the 
Indians. 

Fort Dearborn Erected. — The colonization of the 

northern part of the State remained dormant for many years 



114 



HISTORY OF ILI.IXOIS. 



while the southern portions were being rapidly settled. Though 
a few persons had established their homes at the mouth of Chi- 
cago River with Baptiste, yet they were traders and thought of 
no other resource by which they might gain a livelihood than 
ti'ading with the Indians. In 1804 the Government began erect- 
ing a fort at this point known as Fort Dearborn, named in honor 
of Harry Dearborn, Secretary of War, under whose orders it 
was probably built. 

Territorial Election. — Two classes of territorial govern- 
ment were in vogue at this time. Under the second class the 
Governor, selected by Congress, had exclusive control as a law 
executor; the first class gave a privilege to the people to choose 
Representatives to work, as law makers, in harmony with the 
appointed Governor. There appeared to be an opposition to 
the first class government and to bring out the wishes of the 
people, w^hen the census had attained a sufficient number, the 
Governor called an election, which was held on September 11, 
1S04, and gave a majority of 13S votes in favor of the first. 

Territorial Legislature. — A Territorial Assembly was 
called at Vincennes, January 30,1805. The choice for Repre- 
sentatives of Illinois were, Shadrach Bond and William Biggs 
of St. Clair, and George Fisher of Randolph. The new Legis- 
lature convened July 29, 1805. Governor Harrison read his an- 
nual message advocating changes. In this message he spoke 
against selling liquor to the Indians. He said: "You have 
seen our towns crowded with drunken savages; our streets flow- 
ing with blood; their arms and clothing bartered for the liquor 
that destroys them; and their miserable women and children en- 
during all the extremities of cold and hunger. Whole villages 
have been swept away. A miserable remnant is all that re- 
mains to mark the situation of many warlike tribes." Mr. Har- 
rison was true to his conviction, having previously sold a distill- 
ery at reduced figures because he saw the misery it was creating. 

Everything passed off smoothly under the new form of gov- 
ernment until the taxes were to be collected. This was a novel 
arrangement to many, especially to the French who held a meet- 
ing at Vincennes and agreed to support no one who advocated 
the first class territorial government. Little attention was paid 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. II5 

to this and soon the " Ship of State " was again smoothly sailing 
with a good breeze. About this time a book of laws was pub- 
lished for Indiana Territory and generally distributed. 
Separatioiiists and Aiiti-Seijaratioiiists. — In 1805 

Michigan (then included the present State of Wisconsin and a 
portion of Minnesota) was separated from Indiana Territory, 
and in a short time thereafter the question came up whether or 
not it would be expedient to form a separate division of Illinois. 
Two parties sprung up known as the Separationists and Anti- 
Separationists, the former being the stronger in Illinois and the 
latter in Indiana though both parties had strong foot-holds in each 
of the localities. 

The doctrine preached by the Anti-Separationists was that the 
expense in running the Government would be greater if divided; 
that the territories would work in unison if they remained as one, 
and a stronger resistance coidd be maintained if the defense of 
life were required; besides, those living about Vincennes knew 
the capital would be removed from that localit}^ if a division 
were effected, because of its situation at the side of the territory. 
The Separationists claimed that the country was being rapidly 
settled and that the sooner each Territory could be arranged as 
it would be admitted into the Union the earlier it would become 
a State; that the settlements were too remote from each other 
to make laws that would suit both localities; that the long jour- 
neys through the ■wdlderness was dangerous; that, should an out 
break occur, the Government could immediately act for the 
safety of the people. During the discussion of these questions 
other points would be bought up, the argument wax warmer; 
then \^ ould follow taunts, threats, blows; and not unfrequently 
these debates ended in bloodshed and assassination. So marked 
were the party lines that persons of one persuasion of mind 
would onlv associate with those entertaining similar views. In 
fact, the people became ver}- much like modern politicians. 

Election. — In order to strengthen the Separation party, an 
Indiana Representative who was also Speaker of the Legisla- 
ture, Jesse B, Thomas, was chosen delegate to Congress. He 
greatly desired to go to Congress but, in order to be elected, 
had agreed to represent the sentiments of the Separationists, 



Il6 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

although a majority of his supporters resided in Illinois. The 
new settlements increased more rapidly in Indiana than in Illi- 
nois from the fact that the timber was better and the distance 
not so far from the more thickly settled States. Thus the new 
member's task in Congress was comparatively easy and he suc- 
ceeded in forcing upon the assembly the fact that, as the popu- 
lation had increased to such an ex'tent in Indiana it would be 
advisable to divide the territory. Accoidingly February 3, 1809, 
Illinois became a separate division and was known as Illinois 
Territory, bounded by the Mississippi on the west, and on the 
east by the Wabash to Vincennes, thence north to a line drawn 
west from the south bend of Lake Michigan. This was the 
year the " Army President," James Madison, took his seat and 
about the time the merciless savages again began their depreda- 
tions upon the frontier. 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 



Rulers. — The Governor chosen for the new Territory was 
Ninian Edwards; Judges, Jesse B. Thomas (moved to the State 
soon after his appointment), Alexander Stuart and William 
Spriggs. Nathaniel Pope, a relative of Mr. Edwards, was ap- 
pointed Secretary. 

Governor Edwards managed the affairs of State in a satisfac- 
tory manner. Though the people were far from being recon- 
ciled to the separation, he went to work upon his own responsi- 
bility, manifesting no desire whatever to favor either party. On 
clearly taking in the situation he applied himself with the zeal 
of a President of the United States. His efforts told. The law- 
making power was called together at Kaskaskia June 16, 1809. 
The first task was a re-organization of the militia for the im- 
pending crisis of defense. 

Tecuiliseh. War. — British were again busying themselves 
among various tribes, to induce them to again take up arms 
against the settlers, then numbering about 11,500 in Illinois Ter- 
ritory. As in former wars the brunt fell upon territory east and 
northeast of us, but the people were without an army and thus 
subject to small bands of skulking Indians who fell upon those 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. I I ^ 

residing remote from thickly settled communities, block-houses 
or forts. 

Conference with Tecumseh. — The first manifestation of 
an outbreak was led by Tecumseh, chief of the Shawnees. He 
prepared to form an alliance of all tribes against the Whites and 
offered to lead the Indian legions. Several tribes agreed to fol- 
low at his bidding. Governor Harrison of Indiana Territory 
called a conference at Vincennes, August i3, iSio. Tecumseh, 
accompanied by warriors, appeared. The discussion became 
heated to the extreme. Tecumseh maintained that the Whites 
had no right to make treaties with the several tribes but that all 
Indian nations owned the land in common. Therefore, when 
lands were purchased, the transfer would be valid when agreed 
to by the entire race. In Mr. Harrison's response he alluded to 
a grievance, Tecumseh had narrated, in a bantering manner 
which thoroughly aroused the chief who sprung to his feet and 
threatened to prostrate the speaker. Upon this the warriors all 
arose, with tomahawks in hand, ready to pounce upon the 
Whites who were entirely defenseless. An awful silence ensued 
until the Governor broke it by continuing his remarks in a fear- 
less tone. Tecumseh and his followers retired soon after, but 
still indignant. Not only did they threaten to break the treaty 
but declared their intentions for revenge. 

The Pottawatomies, about this time, penetrated into 
the new country of Missouri where the young warriors not only 
stole horses and other valuables but fell upon inhabitants and 
committed several murders. For these depredations the Gov- 
ernor of that territory requested a permit from Governor 
Edwards to secure the guilty parties if possible. For the 
mission Captain Levering was selected. On his visit to the 
chief he found him rather indifferent regarding the matter, but 
Levering was not the man to succumb to obstacles without a 
bold effort on his part to overcome them. Finally he effected a 
partial comjDromise in which several horses that had been stolen 
were delivered and a promise made to send others to Captain 
Heald of Fort Dearborn. . 

Battle of Tippecanoe. — Tecumseh departed for the 
South in July, iSii, where he sought to persuade the Creeks, 



:iO HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Choctaws and Chickasaws to second his plans. Governor Har- 
rison of Indiana regarded this the time to strike a blow to estab- 
lish peace. Accordingly he set out for Prophet's town (Tippe- 
canoe) where he arrived November 6. The Indians were under 
command of the One-Eyed Prophet who sent out deputies to 
meet Harrison, thus averting immediate action, but it was only to 
strengthen his own army and be better prepared to take his en- 
emy at a disadvantage. The deputies prevailed upon the troops 
to encamp upon high grovmd, but the Whites had a leader too 
shrewd to be caught in such a trap. The Indians acted suspi- 
ciously and a strong guard was kept at the outposts to maintain a 
careful watch during the night while the entire armv, 700 strong, 
was ready for battle. 

Their plans were not for naught but might have been better. 
They were aroused by the Indian war whoop while it was yet 
dark. The foe came into camp upon them with all the fury 
common to a savage onslaught \vhen confident of success. After 
a fierce struggle the assailants were driven from the camp but 
not until many had been killed on both sides. In this battle Joe 
Daviess fell victim to the tomahawk. 

Earthquake. — In 1811 an earthquake, frightfully felt in 
Illinois, concentrated its force at New Madrid on the Mississippi 
below the mouth of the Ohio. The phenomenon occasioned great 
fear among the settlers. The ground opened in several places 
emitting sulphurous gases, and then closed again with a loud 
sound. Mud was thrown into the air and in places the ground 
sunk several feet. 

Election. — February 15, 1S13, Governor Edwards issued 
an order for an election, allowing the people a privilege of de- 
ciding whether they w^ould adopt the first class territorial gov- 
ernment or not, i. e. choose a form of Legislature to work in 
harmony with the Governor chosen by Congress. The polls 
were open for three days, allowing all a favorable opportunity 
to cast their ballots, and the election resulted in favor of the af- 
firmative by a large majority. In the following September the 
Governor and Judges added three new counties which then di- 
vided the Territoiy into five — Randolph, St. Clair, Madison, 
Gallatin and Johnson. 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. II9 

October 8, 9 and 10 an election was held and the following 
officers chosen: Delegate to Congress, Shadrach Bond; Leg- 
islative Council, Pierre Menard of Randolph, William Biggs of 
St. Clair, Samuel Judy of Madison, Thomas Furguson of John- 
son and Benjamin Talbot of Gallatin; Representatives, George 
Fisher of Randolph, Joshua Oglesby and Jacob Short of St. 
Clair, William Jones of Madison, Philip Trammel and Alex- 
ander Wilson of Gallatin and John Grammar of Johnson. 

First state House. — The elected members convened 
December 25, 1S12, in the new capitol at Kaskaskia. The build- 
ing was made of limestone and resembled an old-fashioned church 
of a rural, rocky district, contrasting only in the fact that it had 
an upper story. It is needless to search for contrasts between that 
quiet little body to the stormy Legislature of tricky lawyers and 
politicians of to-day, or the little limestone State house and the 
capitol building of the present, constructed of hewn stone and 
almost everj' kind of granite in the world, one of the handsomest in 
the world. Suffice it to say, however, it was in the most thickl}- 
settled community of the West while the present one would have 
been in a Avilderness seventy-five miles fromanv settlement. 

Roads and Defenses. — The roads through the country 
consisted of mere trails or paths, the most frequented leading to 
Kaskaskiii, The Kaskaskia & Detroit trail led from the former 
place diagonally through the State passing out at Danville. The 
Kaskaskia & Vincennes trail became noted after 1779 when 
Colonel Clarke marched through that region. Lake Peoria 
trail extended from that vicinity through Terra Haute. The 
most prominent Indian trail was from Fort St. Louis, near the 
present city of Ottavva, to the Indian village visited by Mar- 
quette when he passed down the Mississippi. In iSoo and for 
several years after, a trail that led from Lusk's Ferry on Ohio 
River to Kaskaskia was much used. W^hen the country became 
more thickly settled several of these trails were converted into 
mail-routes, along which settlers would first pitch their cabins. 

The only inhabited districts that enjoyed any degree of safety 
from the Indians were in the neighborhoods of Kaskaskia, Ca- 
hokia and A^incennes, because of the many settlers in unison and 
the number of block-houses in which the inhabitants could take 



120 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

refuge should a band of the enemy appeal". Several families 
had settled in the Saline regions of Vermillion County, near 
Danville, but w^ere scarcely known to the savages, and were en- 
gaged in the manufacture of salt. Those at Chicago, outside of 
Fort Dearborn garrison, were half-breeds and lived with the 
Indians. In Jo Daviess County were a few miners who usually 
abandoned their homes, in case of danger, and took refuge with 
the settlers down the river. Thus the most defenseless settlers 
were in the interior of the State, especially in the vicinity of 
Lake Peoria. Not only were they in danger of savage barbarity 
but many of the French, who were unfriendly to the new form 
of Government because of taxes to be paid, were yet living at 
Peoria and might co-operate with the Indians. 

A Conference. — Governor Edwards still entertained a 
hope of allaying the war by treaty. In March, 1812, he called 
together a council of Indian chiefs at Cahokia which convened 
April 16. The following were present and were addressed by 
the Governor in person: Gomo, Pepper, White Hair, Little 
Sauk, Creat Speaker, Yellow Son, Snake, Maukia, leman, Bull, 
Neckkeenesskeeskeckee, Ignance, Pottawatomie Prophet, Pam- 
ousa, Iskkeebee, Manwess, Toad, Pipe Bird, Cut Branch, The 
South Wind, Black Bird, Little Deer, Blue Eyes, Sun Fish, 
Blind of An Eye, Otter, Makkak, Yellow Lips, Dog Bird, 
Black Seed, Mittitasse, Desskagon, Malshwashewii apd White 
Dog. They listened attentively to all that was said and selected 
Gomo to reply to the speech, which he did on the following day 
in an eloquent and friendly manner. To make his speech more 
forcible he exhibited several half-clad, miserable-looking squaws, 
brought along for the occasion, to show how poor they were 
and their great need of help. They were only practicing deceit, 
having no intentions of peace whatever. 

INDIAN WARS OF l8l2. 

The second war with Great Britain began in earnest m 1812. 
The large armies did not reach Illinois but the people were at 
the mercy of a more barbarous foe, spurred on and equipped 
by British who made a desperate effort to secure a complete 
confederation of the tribes. 



TEKRITORIAI. PERIOD. 121 

Alarm in Illinois, — Settlers who had gone hito the 
wilderness a few miles from block-houses, realized an insecurity, 
and most of them abandoned their homes for the thickly settled 
communities. vSeveral took their wives and children to block- 
houses but remained themselves upon their claims; others ac- 
companied their families and occasionally visited their deserted 
homes. During the absence of a husband and father the re- 
maining members of his family would be chilled at the approach 
of every messenger, lest he came with the intelligence that their 
dear one had fallen victim to the tomahawk. 

Fort Dearborn Massacre. — The only settlement of 

the northeast at this time was at Fort Dearborn (Chicago, then 
in Michigan Territory). At this place the Indians, half-breeds 
and garrison were on friendly terms though the former had been 
solicited to take up arms against the latter. There were friendly 
chiefs in this locality who kept the garrison and the three or four 
families, who were generally in the fort, informed of all that 
was taking place. The command was under Captain Nathaniel 
Heald, recently from Kentucky. He came to Chicago, with his 
wife shortly after their marriage, each riding a beautiful bay 
pony. 

The summer of 1812 found Captain Heald in command of but 
seventy-five men, one-half of whom were wholly unfit for dutv 
because of sickness. At this critical moment orders came from 
General Hull to evacuate the fort and retire to Fort Wayne 
on the Maumee. The Captain being an obedient officer, wished 
to comply with the request and accordingly set about arranging 
for the departure. 

The Indians having been steadfast in their friendship, Heald 
still looked upon them as allies and hoped to deal with them as 
man should deal with his fellow man, at the same time forget- 
ting the British influence in inciting them against the Whites, 
as at Mackinaw and elsewhere. Had he been left free to follov^' 
the dictates of his own judgment, all would probably have been 
right, but his plans were questoned from first to last. The sub- 
ordinate officers opposed an evacuation because, they said, they 
could never escape; besides, the buildings would be reduced to 
utter waste. However, Heald remained steadfast and considered 



122 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

it best to disguise no movement from the Indians whom he re- 
garded his friends. Accordingly a conference was called and 
the entire plan revealed. All the ammunition, extra arms, liquor, 
etc., were to be left for the red men to divide among themselves 
and they in turn to furnish a safe escort to Fort Wayne. The 
officers again remonstrated and persuaded Mr. Heald that such 
proceedings would insure their utter annihilation. To furnish 
the Indians liquor to craze their brains and then provide them 
^vith ammunition, would be putting weapons into their hands by 
which to slay the donors. Secretly the treaty was broken by 
the Whites who took the liquor kegs to the river, broke in the 
heads and emptied the contents; the ammunition was thrown into 
a well, while the arms were broken and then pitched in after it. 
This transaction was found out by the Indians who regarded it 
a failure on the part of the Whites to keep their word and at the 
same time deprive them of the promised liquor. 

On the morning of the 15th of August, 1S12, with drums beat- 
ing and colors flying, the garrison moved out in battle arrav for 
the distant fort on the Mainnee. They were headed by Captain 
Wells who had with him an escort of friendly Indians from Fort 
Wayne. Following these and at the head of the garrison. Cap- 
tain and Mrs. Heald rode upon their fine palfreys. Immediately 
behind the troops w^ere the wagons in which the women and 
children were transported, also the sick of which there were 
many. Last of all marched a band of 500 Indians who claimed 
to be escorts for a short distance, but who proved to be a band of 
scalpers ready to join another band secreted ahead on the lake 
road supposed to be the one the Whites would take. 

The first indication of trouble was at least two miles form the 
fort, when the Indians began forming in front. Captain Wells 
detected their movement and immediately rode back and in- 
formed Mr. Heald of their fiendish designs. The wagons were 
hastily arranged that they might protect the sick and helpless as 
well as serve for breastworks. Behind these the handful of sol- 
diers gathered to defend themselves the best the}^ could. 

During the fight Captain and Mrs, Heald were separated. 
Soon after Mr. Wells rode up to her with the blood streaming- 
down his face. He said he feared he had been mortally wounded 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. 133 

and requested her to tell his wife that he had fought hravely. 
At that moment his horse was shot and the lifeless animal fell 
upon him in such a manner that he could not, in his exhausted 
condition, extricate himself. In this position he killed another 
Indian, making eight in all, when he was overpowered and 
scalped. His heart was cut out, sliced and devoured by the sav- 
ages while yet warm. Mrs.Heald was a witness to this sicken- 
ing transaction. 

All were massacred but twenty-seven who laid down their 
arms and consigned themselves to their fate — prisoners of war 
in the hands of savages. Had it not been that among these 
were chiefs, friendly to the Whites, all would have perished, 
■either at the hand of the scalpers or burned at the stake. Mr. 
Heald was captured by one party and his wife by another. But 
they were both purchased from the captors and delivered to an 
Indian trader who secured a Frenchman t.o row them to Macki- 
naw as prisoners of war where they were delivered to the Brit- 
ish. The commander at this post chanced to be a Mason as was 
Heald, thus they were uncommonly well cared for. They only 
remained here for a short time when ransomed and allowed to 
return home. Other captives were liberated, several not until the 
following spring, however, but the wounded were tortured. 

When the news went abroad that the fort was to be abandoned, 
warriors assembled from all directions and for miles distant. A 
band of these from the regions of the Wabash did not arrive for 
several days after the bloody work. 

Thus ended one of most inhuman massacres, on a spot where 
thousands now hurry to and fro daily, ever recorded in history. 
The only land-mark to point out the site of this tragedy is a 
large cotton wood tree standing on iSth Street, between Prairie 
Avenue and the lake. 

Peoria Campaig-ll. — First Expedition. — In October, 
1S12, Governor Edwards sent an expedition to Lake Peoria. 
The entire State militia numbered but 350 able-bodied men and 
with the troops from Vincennes only 400 could be spared. 
They were composed mostly of young men who had entered 
the ranks with a view to having a good time, considering the 
.trip a novelt}- ; and, had it not been for the fear in which Gov- 



124 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ernor Edwards was held by the Indians, the undertaking would 
have been marked by more thrilling warfare, but as it was, the 
foe fled at sight of the armed troops, leaving nothing for them to 
do but to plunder and burn the stores and wigwams. 

The most notable occurrence was the encounter with the 
French. When Governor Edwards discovered that there was 
nothing left for him to do, he sent word to Captain Craig, in 
command of the supply boat, to make preparations for a return. 
When a short distance below Peoria the boat was fired in the 
night by Indians who could be traced to the village, and evidence 
tended to prove that the French had harbored the incendiaries. 
Craig burned the town, took about seventy-five of the residents 
on board and landed them near Alton where he left them with- 
out food. These reached St. Louis a few days thereafter in a 
half-starved condition. Shortly after the French returned to 
Peoria and rebuilt the town. 

A Second Expedition to Lake Peoria was planned in the 
summer of 1813. The troops, while in Indian localities, were in 
constant alarm ; at the slightest indication of danger they would 
become fear-stricken and shoot at random, on one occasion kill- 
ing a comrade — though there was not a foe within eighty miles, 
— and leaving their tents and stores behind. The army numbered 
about 900, a large percent of whom were from west of the river 
where depredations had been committed by the same tribes that 
were giving our settlers trouble. Though no decided engage- 
ment took place the Indians harbored about Lake Peoria were 
driven from the settlements. Fort Clark was built at this point 
and the country ti'aversed by Rangers until the savages were 
overawed and for a short period the people enjoyed quiet. 

Last of the War. — In 18 14 the troubles in the West be- 
came more desperate than formerly, from the fact that Perry's 
victory on Lake Erie and the successes of General Harrison had 
driven the Indians westward. About this time the savages en- 
tered the homes and scalped men, women and children. But 
gradually they were overpowered and the warfare subsided. 
October 18, 181 4, the troops were all disbanded. 

The People of 1814, when the war closed, turned their 
attention to improving their farms and homes, and promoting 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. I25 

the general Interests of the country. New settlements were 
formed and many immigrants arrived from the East. From 
this forward Illinois society assumed a new phase as there was a 
marked change in the manners and customs, imitating those of 
eastern colonies. 

The church was undergoing a change likewise. The Catho- 
lic organization remained about as formerly. A few fami- 
lies arrived from Canada and several from the East, but the early 
French settlers, their number having dwindled to about one- 
fifth of the population, were the main supporters of this church. 
Protestants began to flourish under the supervision of the old- 
fashioned ministers who delivered their illiterate, lengthy ser- 
mons in a " sing-song tone." Great excitement prevailed at 
these meetings, often held in the forests otherwise indwellings or 
humble churches. The good influences of these sincere people 
will go with us through generations. Even the eloquence of the 
early orators may be heai^d at times to-day while the economic 
living of the people, to be honest and upright, are worthy ex- 
amples that should be impressed upon the minds of the present 
and coming generations. 

Marriage engagements were somewhat binding upon the male 
that he might not flirt with his lady friends, and he w^as com- 
pelled to fill out the following form three months prior to the 
" wedding-day:" 

" Know all men by these presents that I, 

, am held and firmly bound unto 

, Clerk of County and Territory of 

Illinois, in the just and full sum of five hundred dollars, by which 
payment well and truly to be made, I bind myself, my heii'Si 
and assigns for and in the w^hole, sealed with my seal, and dated 
this day of 1814. 

"• The condition of the obligation is such, that whereas the 
above bond has this day made ap- 
plication for license to join together in bonds of matrimony with 

Now if the said - 

does w^ell and truly marries the said 

without any fraud, partiality or illegality attending the said mar- 
riage, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to be and remain 



126 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

in full force and virtue in law. 
Bondsmen 



Criminal laws were revised in 1S12, remaining to that time the 
same as were used in Indiana Territory. In 1S15 a thorough re- 
vision was made and they were rudely printed in book form by 
Matthew Duncan. 

A Territorial Bank was established at Shawneetown 
in 1S16. Its capital was not to exceed $300,000 and the Terri- 
tor}' was authorized to subscribe one-third of the stock. The 
institution enlivened business and remained the only bank in the 
Territorv for several years. 

Tlie First Newspaper published in the State was the 
"Herald" at Kaskaskia, established in 1814; it was a three-col- 
umn folio, but in 1S16 was enlarged to a four-column. In 1S17 
it was purchased by Cook & Blockwell, in whose hands it re- 
mained until moved (1820) to Vandalia. No other paper was 
published until 1818, when an Anti-Slavery organ sprung up at 
Shawneetown, known as the " Emigrant." In 1S19 a third pa- 
per, and also of Anti-Slavery persuasion, was printed at Ed- 
wardsville, known as the " Spectator." 

Territory to a State. — From the great Northwest Ter- 
ritory two States had been admitted — Ohio in 1802 and Indiana 
in 18 16, while Illinois was following close after them in popula- 
tion. The people of the latter were becoming energetic and 
grew anxious to make their Territory a State, and when a State, 
of the foremost in the Union. For such an outcome the Terri- 
tory bade fair. Lead mines appeared numerous and inexhaust- 
ible; coal had been discovered as early as 1721 ; along the streams 
timber grew in abundance, while in certain localities were for- 
ests of considerable size. The greatest drawback in the minds 
of the early settlers were the vast swampy prairies, the breeders 
of ague. In eai'ly days when travelers returned from visits to 
Illinois they told of the landscape over which wild animals 
roamed in large herds; of frolicking brooklets and navigable 
rivers, of the rich mines and prospects for coal — but they took 
no fancy to the prairies covered with grass and dotted with 
marshes. To-day, when the traveler returns from his trip 



TERRITORIAL PERIODv \2^ 

throug-h the State, he tells of the beautiful farms fenced in as it 
were with green arbors, interspersed here and there with groves 
of shade and orchard, if herein the month of June he fails not to 
describe the fields of golden grain alternating with the waving 
rows of crisp thrifty corn. He tells of large cities that have 
sprung up as if by magic — cities that defy the world for business- 
and enterprise, while their stately mansions stand in magnificent 
splendor forming long avenues; of the manufactures, a yet 
growing industry ; of traffic and travel carried with lightning: 
speed from town to town, city to city, and through the State 
from State to State on tracks more rumerous, according to size, 
than in any other in the Union. 

But such was not the condition of affairs in iSrS. The popu- 
lation had not yet reached the required number,. 60,000, to be 
admitted as a State, there being but 38,000. Most all the pres- 
ent counties of the South and South\\est had inhabitants withiii 
their borders. In the East but few had yet taken up their abodes,, 
most of the inhabitants of this locality preferring to remain east 
of the Wabash where they could demand immediate protection of 
the Government. The colony in the neighborhood of Danville 
was composed of but two or three families; Chicago had not yet 
taken its boom- though a few houses had been erected ; scattered 
along the Mississippi as far as Alton were settlements, thence ai 
wilderness to Jo Daviess County which was not then ^^•^thin the 
present boundaries; on the Illinois was Peoria, with her few in- 
habitants; also other villages farther north on Rock and Kanka- 
kee rivers. Three or four families had pushed out into the ceo- 
tral portion, settling the Counties of Sangamon and Macon, 
while in other districts hunters had wandered, built their cabins 
and remained alone in the forest, onh' seeking a subsistence ; not 
even desirous of claiming the land upon which they were livings 

The ruling power was held in the Southern half and other 
settlements were seldom consulted upon political topics. Fur- 
ther than this but little interest was manifested in other settle- 
ments; the people had retired to these secluded spots more to be 
let alone than to take pride in advancing the new country in just 
laws, moral customs- and progressive industries. In fact, manv 
were wedded to^ Indians and hoped rather to dwell in the wilds 



128 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

as mediators between the two races — Caucasian and Anrierican. 
Consequently we must credit the Southern portion with the 
rapid development of the Territory, and to them is due the honor 
of putting the State machinery in good working order. 

During the year 1S17 a petition was circulated by the citizens 
soliciting Congress to admit Illinois into the Union as a State 
with privileges equal to those of other States. This document 
was received by the people with due regard, bearing as it did their 
sentiments and designed to bring about their wishes. Nathaniel 
Pope was yet the delegate to Congress, and when he departed 
by river and stage, in the fall, he bore with him m?iny injunctions 
from the people in regard to the matter. In the following Jan- 
uary he received the precious document, but could not get a 
hearing in Congress until in April. 

Northern Boundary Cliangecl. — It was first neces- 
sary to secuie an enlargement of the State. By the ordinance 
of 17S7 the Northwest Territory was to be divided into three 
divisions (See previous page), or Congress might have the 
power to form one or two States north of a line drawn east and 
west by the south bend of Lake Michigan, and might change 
the boundary as it would see proper. To adopt the former 
boundary would deprive her of the extreme northern mines and 
the port at Chicago, the head of a canal to the Mississippi already 
talked about. Illinois was situated in the Center of the United 
States. She had access to the navigation of the Ohio, Wabash, 
Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Judge Pope easily persuaded those 
honest old fathers in Congress, faithfully laboring for the good of 
the country and not for " machine politicians," that to deprive 
her of the harbors of Lake Michigan would be to rob her of 
the advantages awarded by nature itself, leaving her without the 
facilities of becoming a foremost State, for railrods were then un- 
known. Accordingly the boundray was fixed at 42 degrees 30 
minutes. 

First Constitvitional Assembly. — As authorized by 

Congress, in an act becoming a law April 18, 18 iS, the people 
chose Delegates who assembled at Kaskaskia in July, 1S18, and 
prepared a Constitution which was completed and signed Au- 
gust 26. Jesse B. Thomas, former Delegate to Congress, was 



TEKRITORIAI. PERIOD. I29 

chosen President and William C. Greenup, Secretary of the con- 
vention. The following are the Delegates who represented the 
counties then organized: 

St. Clair — Jesse B. Thomas, John Messenger, James Lemon. 

Randolph — George Fisher, Elias K. Kane. 

Madison — Benj. Stephenson, Jos. Boi-ough, Abraham Prickett, 

Gallatin — Michael Jones, Leonard White, A. F. Hubbard. 

Johnson — Hezekiah West, William McFartridge. 

Edwards— Seth Gard, Levi Compton. 

White — Willis Hargrave, William McHenry. 

Monroe — Old well Cams, Enoch Moore. 

Pope — Samuel O'Melveny, Hamlet Furguson. 

Jackson — Conard Will, James Hall, Jr. 

Crawford — JosejDh Kitchell, Edward N, Cullom. 

Bond — Thomas Kilpatrick, Samual G. Morse. 

Union — William Echols, John Whitaker. 

W^ashington — Andrew Bankson. 

Franklin — Isham Harrison, Thomas Roberts. 

The principal worker in this assembly was Elias K. Kane 
who afterward became United States Senator. Mr. Kane was 
brilliant and far-sighted in reasoning. He early began the study 
of law and had become distinguished in his profession. He was 
one of the first opposers of imprisonment for debt and Illinois 
was the first State to abolish the practice. 

State School Fund.— Judge Pope was an able lawyer 
and to him is due the honor of inducing Congress to provide a 
State fund for the promotion of education. Though he had 
lived in the Territory only since 1S15 and had been a Delegate 
to Congress two years since that time, he was well posted upon 
the necessities of the people he represented. As he suggested 
another amendment was put upon the laws. Formerly a cer- 
tain per cent of the fund from the sale of land was taken 
to improve the roads, but this was lavishly wasted in throwing 
logs into the mud and in building grades not sufficiently drained 
to keep them from becoming water-soaked. By the amend- 
ment the people were to make their own roads and the five per 
cent was to be appropriated to schools; one-sixth of which was to 
be used exclusively for a college. 



130 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The Election took place on the third Thursday, Friday and 
Saturday of Sej^tember, 1S18. There being no party contest 
all hearts turned to Shadrach Bond of St. Clair for Governor 
and Pierre Menard of Randolph for Lieutenant-Governor. 



STORIES. 

Mrs. Gilliam's Captivity. — On a fair June morning, 
1790, while the noble James Gilham w^as laboring in his fields 
with his elder son Isaac, on his little farm in Kentucky, a party of 
Kickapoo Indians, from this State, slunk around the house where 
Mrs. Gilham was busy about her household affairs and the chil- 
dren were engaged in play. They watched a fair opportunity 
and captured the mother with her three children, the elder be- 
ing twelve and the younger but four years old. 

When the savages entered the house Mrs. Gilham was so 
frightened that she fainted away and could but remember the 
words of her son, " Mother, we are all prisoners." They took 
what provisions they could find and all the clothing possible for 
them to carry, emptying even the feathers from the feather bed. 

The Kickapoo town, for which they set out, was situated near 
the center of the present State of Illinois and in a locality far 
from any White inhabitant. In their journey thither they 
avoided all settlements lest they should be discovered and pur- 
sued. This rendered all hope of escape impossible and the 
captives heroically submitted to their sad fate. The children's 
feet began getting sore and were badly bruised from the rapid 
journey through the pathless wilderness. To ease the pain of 
the little ones, the mother tore pieces from her dress and bound 
around their feet as best she could. The Indians had with them 
.1 small quantity of jerked venison which they were kind enough 
to give to the children when the other provisions were exhausted, 
whilst they and Mrs. Gilham partook of no food for several 
days; when one of the party was sent out to get meat, but only 
returned with one gaunt raccoon. Mrs. Gilham, who had be- 
come alarmed lest the children when on the verge of starvation 
should all be killed, afterward said, " The sight of that poor rac- 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. I3I 

coon did me more good than stores of wealth." 

The animal was dressed by singeing the hair from the body 
and emptying the contents of the entrails. It was then chopped 
to pieces and, with head, bones, skin and intestines, boiled in a 
kettle and made into a kind of soup. The savages and their cap- 
tives sat around the kettle and devoured the contents, helping 
themselves with spoons made of bones and forks, of wood ; thus 
obtaining relief from immediate starvation. 

The Ohio was approached with caution as the Whites fre- 
, quently passed up and down this stream. Through the day 
they camped in a thick wood near the present site of Hawksville, 
Kentucky, where they made a raft of logs, lashing them together 
with red elm bark. At night they crossed the stream undiscov- 
ered. After they had gone a few miles beyond the river they 
relaxed in speed and soon satisfied their appetites. Keeping to 
the east and north of the settlement of Vincennes, they crossed 
the Wabash near the present site of Terre Haute and marched 
through the present counties of Clark, Coles and Macon, finally 
reaching the town on Salt Creek, about twenty miles northeast 
of Springfield. 

The field in which Mr. Gilham was at work being some dis- 
tance from the house, he did not discover the misfortune that had 
befallen his wife and little ones until he returned at dinner time. 
Then the Indians had placed many miles between him and them, 
having hastened away with all possible speed. On his approach 
he was startled at the appearance of his lonely home. No smoke 
was curling up from the chimney to remind him of the savory 
meal in preparation; no happv children running to welcome him 
home; no wife awaiting him upon the threshold: instead, all 
was silent and hushed. He entered the house, where were many 
indications of the scene enacted early in the morning. Here 
empty boxes, there the contents that had not been worth taking 
strewed upon the floor; and over all, the indications of a hurried 
departure. At once divining the situation he gave the alarm and 
soon willing neighbors had joined with him in the search. The 
trail to the edge of the timber could easily be detected but soon 
this disappeared and they were compelled to give up the pur- 
suit. In the morning that husband and father was a peaceful 



132 HISTORY OF ILLIJJOIS. 

farmer striving- to lay up stores for the future; in the afternoon, 
a bereaved man hunting for his loved ones. 

He sold his possessions in Kentucky, then visited the settle- 
ments of Vincennes and Kaskaskia with the hope of securing 
the aid of the French traders, who had a fair knowledge of all 
tribes then in the Northwest. War continued between the 
Whites and Indians rendering his efforts hopeless. Five years 
passed and yet no tidings came, but he did not fail to converse 
with every trader he saw and his labors were not without result. 
He finally learned from one of these that his wife and children 
were with the Kickapoos. With two Frenchmen for interpret- 
ers and guides, he visited the Indian town on Salt Creek and 
there found his family alive and well, demons, the 3-ovmger 
son, could not speak a word of English and it was with difficulty, 
after living five years among the red men that he could be per- 
suaded to leave them for a new home. 

In his visit to Illinois Mr. Gilham had become so favorably im- 
pressed with the country, that in 1797, two years after the re- 
covery of his family, he became a resident of the Territory and 
spent the remainder of his days in Aladison County, followed by 
other noted persons of his State. In 1S15 Mrs. Gilham's name 
was brought before Congress and she was given a quarter sec- 
tion of land for the suffering she had endured while in the wil- 
derness. 

Lively and Huggins. — When the Indians became hos- 
tile, during the War of 1S12, two settlers, Messrs. Lively and 
Huggins, were living in the wilderness twenty-five miles from 
any settlement. Huggins desired to move to a fort at Hill's Sta- 
tion, in Randolph County, but Lively fearlessly objected, assert- 
ing that there was no danger. Finally Huggins departed for 
the settlements leaving Lively and his family in the wilderness 
without any means of defense. 

Mrs. Lively suffered untold miseries from imaginary scenes of 
Indian warfare, but she could not persuade her husband to de- 
part. His stock were kept in an enclosure for safety from the 
savages and wild beasts. Disturbances at night were frequently 
noticed, which were regarded as an indication of trouble and 
added misery to the frightened family, consisting of parents, two 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. I33 

sons and two daughters; also a hired hand was with them. On 
several occasions, when the stock were uneasy and the dogs 
barking viciously, Lively seized his rifle and proceeded from the 
house to ascertain the trouble, but he always told his family that 
it was \vild animals that caused the disturbances. This did not 
satisfy her and she finally persuaded him to move. They 
were to take their departure in the night and on the evening set 
all things were being made readv. Mr. Lively directed his son 
and hired hand to get up the horses from the pasture, while his 
wife and daughters busied themselves in milking the cows and 
about the extra labor in making ready to depart. They were 
truly light-hearted; in another day, if all went well, they would 
be in a place of safety. 

When the boys departed for the pasture Mr. Lively was seated 
on a stump, rifle in hand, guarding the premises. They had not 
proceeded far, however, until the report of a rifle caught their 
ears. Hastening back toward the house, they soon ascertained 
the trouble. The view that met their eyes haunted them for 
many years. A large band of hideous, demon-like savages had 
surrounded the house, dancing, yelling and brandishing the tom- 
ahawk. They had begun their dastardly work and soon father, 
mother, daughters and younger son were slain. Thus perished 
one of the first families that settled in Washington County. The 
remaining son and hired hand reached the settlements in safety 
and spread the alarm. Rangers took the trail, overtook the party, 
killed several and recaptured some of their plunder. 

Goino's Speech. — The following is the speech delivered 
by Gomo in response to Governor Edwards, at Cahokia in 
March, 1S12: 

" You see the color of our skin. The Great Spirit, when he 
made and disposed of man, placed the Red-skins in this land, and 
those that wore hats on the other side of the big waters. When 
the Great Spirit placed us on this ground, we knew nothing but 
what was furnished to us by nature. We made use of our 
stone axes, stone knives and earthen vessels, and clothed our- 
selves from the skins of the beasts. Yet we were contented! 
When the French first made large canoes they crossed the wide 
^vaters to this country, and on first seeing the red j^eople, they 



134 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

were rejoiced. They told us that we must consider ourselves 
as the children of the French, and that they would be our fath- 
ers ; the country was a good one, and they would change goods> 
for skins. 

" Formerly we all lived in one large village, there was only 
one chief, and all things went on well ; but since our intercourse 
with the Whites, there are almost as many chiefs as we have 
young men. 

" At the time of the taking of Canada, when the British and 
the French were fighting for the same country, the Indians were 
solicited to take part in that war — since which time there have 
been among us a number of foolish young men. The Whites 
ought to have staid on the other side of the waters and not 
troubled us on this side. If we are fools, the Whites are the 
cause of it. From the commencement of their wars they used 
many persuasions with the Indians; they made them presents- 
of merchandise in order to get them to join and assist in their 
battles — ^ince which time there have always been fools among; 
us, and the Whites are blamed for it. 

" The British asked the Indians to assist them in their war& 
with the Americans, telling them that if we allowed the Ameri- 
cans to remain upon our lands they would in time take the whole 
country, and we would then have no place to go to. Some of 
the Indians did join the British, but all did not; some of this, 
nation in particular did not join them. The British persisted in 
urging upon us that if we did not assist them in driving the 
Americans from our lands our wives and children would be mfs- 
erable for the remainder of our days. In the course of that war 
the American General [Clarke] cJime to Kaskaskia, and sent 
for the chiefs on this river to meet him there. We attended, 
and he desired us to remain still and quiet in our villages, saying 
that the Americans were able of themselves to fight the British. 
You Americans generally speak sensibly and j^lainly. At the 
treaty of Gi'eenville, General Wayne spoke to us in the same 
sensible and clear manner, I have listened with attention to you 
both. At the treaty of Greenville General Wayne told us that 
the tomahawk must be buried, and even thrown into the great 
lake; and should any white man murder an Indian, he should be 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. I35 

delivered up to the Indians; and we on our part, should deli^•er 
up the red men, who murder a white person, to the Americans. 

"A Pottawatomie Indian, by the name of Turkey Foot, killed 
an American, for which he was demanded of us; and although he 
was a great worrior, we killed him ourselves in satisfaction for 
his murders. Some of the Kickapoos killed an American. They 
were demanded, were given up, and were tied up with ropes 
around their necks for the murders. This is not what the chief, 
who made the demand, promised, as they were put to death in 
another manner. Our custom is to tie up a dog that way when 
we make a sacrifice. Now listen to me well in what I have to 
say to you. 

"Some time ago one of our young men was drunk at St. 
Louis and was killed by an American. At another time some 
person stole a horse near Cahokia. The citizens of the village 
followed the trail, met an innocent Kickapoo on his w^ay to Kas- 
kaskia and killed him. Last fall, on the other side, and not far 
from Fort Wayne, a Wyandot Indian set fire to the prairie; a 
settler came out and asked him how he started the fire. The 
Indian answered that he was out hunting. The settler struck the 
Indian and continued to beat him until they were parted, when 
another settler shot the Indian. This summer a Chippewa In- 
dian at Detroit was looking at a gun, when it went off accident- 
ally and killed an American. The Chippewa was demanded, 
delivered up and executed. Is this the vs^ay General Wayne 
exhibited his charity to the Red-skins? Whenever an instance 
of this kind happens, it is usual for Red-skins to regard it as an 
accident. You Americans think that all the mischiefs that are 
committed are known to the chiefs, and immediately call on them 
for the surrender of the offenders. We know nothing of them; 
our business is to hunt in order to feed our women and children. 
It is generally supposed that we Red-'>kins are always in the 
wrong. If we kill a hog we are called fools or bad men; the 
same, or worse, is said of us if we kill a horned animal; yet you 
do not take into consideration that, while the Whites are hunting 
along our river, killing our deer and bears, we do not speak ill 
of them. ***** 

The desires of the chiefs and warriors are to plant corn and 



136 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

pursue the deer. Do you think it possible for us to dehver the 
murderers here to-day? Think you, my friends, what would 
be the consequence of a war between the Americans and Indians, 
In times passed when some of us were engaged in it many 
women were left in a distressing condition. Should war now 
take place, the distress would be, in comparison, much more gen- 
eral. This is all I have to say on the part of myself and war- 
riors of my village. I thank you for the patient attention to 
my words." 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



William Henry Harrison, Governor of Indiana Ter- 
ritory, was the son of Benjamin Harrison, a noted man in Revo- 
lutionary times. In speaking of the father we are carried back 
to old Virginia, the " Mother of Presidents," his associates being 
the Washingtons, the Randolphs, the Lees, the Masons, the 
Henrys, the Jeffersons, the Madisons, the Monroes and their 
great compatriots. In the council of these men, sacred to Amer- 
ican history, he often mingled and himself serving three terms 
as Governor of that State and earlier as a member of the Conti- 
nental Congress. 

The beautiful banks of the Potomac and James are well known 
and upon the latter William H. was born February 9, 1773? being 
the third son of the family. He was given the opportunity for a 
good education and made the best use of it until eighteen 
years of age when his father died. After this period he became 
unsettled but his early training was lasting. Near his home the 
mortified Cornwallis handed his sword to Washington when our 
subject was but eight years old ; when the convention met to frame 
the Constitution he was fourteen ; when Washington was inaug- 
urated President he was sixteen. 

He early resolved upon the study of medicine and began a 
course at Philadelphia. Shortly after this he joined an expedi- 
tion westward to fight the Indians and was put in command of 
a pack-horse train bound for Fort Hamilton, near Cincinnati. 
The trip being a hazardous one and coming with a commission 



TERRITORIAL PERIOD. I37 

from President Washington, his boy-like appearance attracted 
unusual attention among the officers, and especially from Gov- 
ernor St. Clair. He was shortly afteradvanced to a Lieutenancy 
and fought his first battle with General Wayne on the Maumee. 
For bravery and good judgment he was promoted to a Captain- 
cy. In 1798 he resigned his position in the army and accepted 
the appointment of Secretary of the Northwest Territory, in 
which position he remained until in iSoo when the Territory was 
divided into Ohio and Indiana territories, he being appointed 
Governor of the latter. 

As Governor he saw this vast domain rapidly increase in in- 
habitants. His principal work while in this capacity was dealing 
with the Indians, negotiating in all, thirteen treaties, some were 
broken and some kept, but in which 60,000,000 acres of land 
were involved. It was during this official cajDacity that he won 
the appellation of " Tippecanoe Harrison " by gaining a decisive 
victory in the bloody battle at Tippecanoe, Indiana. 

After this battle he figured prominently in United States 
service. He was made commander of the army of the West in 
the War of 181 2, and together with Commodore Perry broke its 
back-bone, completing this work in a decisive victory over Proc- 
tor and Tecumseh in the Valley of the Thames, Canada, where 
the latter was killed and his followers hopelessly disheartened. 
He was first elected to Congress in 1816, from this forward fig- 
uring prominently in politics and in 1840 was nominated by the 
Whigs for the Presidency. March 4, 1841, he was inaugurated, 
serving but one month in this high office when he died, April 4. 

Niiiiail Edwards, to whom the Governorship of Illinois 
Territory was entrusted, afterward United States Senator and 
also State Governor, was born in Montgomery County, Mary- 
land, in March, 1775, where he lived until he grew to manhood. 
His parents took pleasure in giving him a thorough education, 
and procured the services of a private instuctor. When young 
Edwards grew older he fell nito bad company and was on the 
road to ruin, having plenty of money at hand and mild parents 
w^ho only hoped for a change in the morals of their son, antici- 
pating a time when the young man would have " sown his wild 
•oats," though that time does not arrive imtil the vigor of active 



138 HISTORV OF ILLINOIS. 

life is sometimes past. Not so with young Edwards. 

In 1798 he was licensed to practice law. When he had been 
in this profession but a few months he saw, as many do, a neces- 
sity for abetter education, but he did not wait for a better oppor- 
tunity ; he went to work in earnest. His labors told and he be- 
came widely known throughout the states of Kentucky and 
Tennessee as an able lawyer. His society and council were early 
sought by politicians, though he was not a lover of their pro- 
fession. For a time he carried on a frindly correspondence with 
Henry Clay who aided him to secure his appointment in Illinois. 

In 1S02 he returned to Maryland on a visit to his parents and 
friends, when he married Miss Elvira Lone, a noble and highly 
esteemed young lady of the neighborhood, who proved to him a 
worthy helpmate. 

When he was but thirty-two he had filled the positions of 
Representative to the Kentucky Legislature, Presiding Judge of 
the General Court, Circuit Judge, Fourth Judge of the Court of 
Appeals and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kentucky; 
the latter he was filling when appointed to Illinois. 

He was tall and of a commanding appearance, conveying an 
impression of power; his writings were pleasing and in address 
he was fluent. In after life he became sober and earnest, and 
Illinois owes much of early distinction to the efforts of Ninian 
Edwards. He died July 20, 1833. (For his career in State 
service and efforts of his son, Ninian W., who resides in Spring- 
field, see State Period.) 




STATE PERIOD. 




CONSTITUTION. 



MODIFIED laws for a temporary 
purpose are not lasting. The first 
written Constitution presented to and 
read before the Convention required 
the Governor and Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor to have been citizens of the 
United States thirty years before eli- 
gible for the office and were the only 
State officers to be elected by the 
people. The other four officers — 
Secretary of State, Treasurer, Aud- 
itor and Attorney-General— were to be 
appointed by the former and con- 
firmed by the State Senate. 

As the people, generally, desired 
Pierre Menard to be Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor, the Delegates took the liberty 
to shape a provision accordingly. Col- 
onel Menard was a Frenchman and 
had taken out his naturalization papers 
but a year previous. It was therefore 
agreed that a two-years' resident of 
the State was eligible to the office. 

Gi-eat power was vested in the Gov- 
ernor as to appointments. In order 
to weaken his power in this direction 
it was agreed that the General Assembly could make certain ap- 
pointments if it chose. This was done in order to get E'Lirjah C. 



142 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Berry for Auditor of Public Accounts, as it was generally sup- 
posed that Shadrach Bond would be the next Governor and that 
he would not appoint Mr. Berry to the named office. The above 
provisions were the weakest points of the Constitution. They 
were weak from the fact that there was no stability in the con- 
trolling ordinances. When the Governor and General Assem- 
bly were on good terms the former could make the appointments, 
otherwise the latter would attend to this business. 

The salaries for Governor and Judges of the Supreme Court 
were $1,000 each; Secretary of State, $600. Slave laws were 
about the same as under territorial government save that children 
born of slave parents should be free when of age. 



BOND'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1818-1822. 



Governor, .... Shadrach Bond. 

Lieutenant-Governor, - - - Pierre Menard. 

Secretary of State, - - - Elias K. Kane. 

Auditor, .... Elijah C. Berry. 

,rr> { 1818-20, ... John Thomas, 

ireasurei', -^ o t> -l^ tv/t t t i- 

' I 1820-23, - - - R. K. McLaughhn. 

... r^ , ( 1818-30, - - Daniel P. Cook. 

Attorney-General, ■{ o wt-u- -\/t 

■^ ' I 1820-22, - - William Mears. 

o 1 r ( 1st House, - - - John Messengrer. 

Speaker of •{ , ,, ' t 1 iv r t 

^ ( 2d " , - - - John McLean. 

TT -i. 1 Oi. i. o i. \ E.L,, - - Ninian Edwards 
United States Senators, 



T.L., - - Jesse B. Thomas. 

I Representative in Congress; Population in 1820, 55,311. 

The First General Assembly convened at Kaskaskia, October 
3, 1818, one day before Governor Bond assumed the duties of 
his office, and remained in session until October 13, when it took 
a recess until it should be empowered by Congress with all the 
rights of a State Legislature. No business was transacted save 
the choosing of the above State officers and electing two United 
States Senators. Matters of interest were discussed and plans 
mapped out for the organization of the new State. The Assem- 
bly consisted of fourteen Senators, representing the fourteen 



STATE PERIOD. I43 

counties, and twenty -nine Representatives. 

Illinois having been declared by Congress a State of the Union, 
December 3, 18 18, the Legislature again convened January 4, 
1S19. Governor Bond's message was brief and contained but 
few points for action other than putting the machinery of the 
State Government in working order. 

Internal Improvement was regarded as the first and 
most important step to be taken. The canal from Chicago to 
the Mississippi was warmly advocated and a lack of immediate 
cash only prevented its being pushed through with all possible 
speed. Where a town had not yet been started and the Legis- 
lature believed there should be one, laws w^ere enacted accord- 
ingly. The following is the ordinance, passed January 9, 1S18, 
for the building of Cairo: 

" And, Whereas, the said proprietors represent that there 
is, in their opinion, no position in the whole of the extent of the 
Western States better calculated, as respects commercial advan- 
tages and local supply, for a great and important city, than that 
afforded by the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. * 
* * * * And, whereas, the above 

named persons are desirous of erecting such city, under the sanc- 
tion and patronage of the Legislature of this State, and also of 
providing for the security and prosperity of the same, and to that 
end propose to appropriate the one-third of all the moneys aris- 
ing from the sale of and disposition of the lots into which the 
same may be surveyed, as a fund for the construction and preser- 
vation of such dykes, levees and other embankments as may be 
necessary to render the same perfectly secure; and, also, if such 
fund shall be deemed sufficient thereto, for the erection of pub- 
lic edifices and such other improvements in the said city as may 
be, from time to time, considered expedient and practicable; and 
to appropriate the other two-thirds part of the said purchase 
moneys to the operation of banking." 

Finances, Habits and Cnstoms. — Early in the ad- 
ministration a crisis in financial affairs was impending that pointed 
to an embarrassment of the young State. But few persons fore- 
saw it. The ignorance of a true conditon of the State, on the 
part of the people in general, was due to their secluded, economic 



144 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

mode of living, their principal occupation being agriculture. 

It was difficult to dispose of the surplus products because 
of tedious ways of transportation. Commerce was carried 
on principally by way of the Mississippi and the ascent was slow 
and laborious. Occasionally goods were brought over the 
mountains in lumber wagons drawn by four, six or eight horses, 
thence floated down the Ohio to the Mississippi, up which they 
were towed. 

The settler j^urchased but few articles, consequently any 
business beyond his farm received but little attention, in specula- 
tion he seldom indulged. His wife and daughters spun and 
wove his winter clothing from the wool produced by his sheep; 
summer clothing and also dry goods were made from flax or 
hemp. Tan yards were scattered throughout the State where 
hides and pelts were made into leather which the shoemaker 
manufactured into boots or shoes for a few bushels of corn or 
wheat. In building his house he piled up logs — hewn if time 
permitted and tools were accessible; if not, they were left as 
they were cut in the forests — between which mortar and sticks 
were placed until the crevices wei^e all or partially filled ; doors 
were swung by leather hinges and fastened with wooden latches. 
Tools were loaned and borrowed, persons often awaiting for 
weeks to secure the use of those engaged ahead. With these 
and by the assistance of a neighboring blacksmith, they made 
their own plows, harrows and wagons ; besides, their bedsteads, 
chairs, tables, cupboards and candlesticks were all of home man- 
ufacture. Lands cost them $2 per acre provided they bought 
from the Government, one-fourth of which was cashed. On 
purchasing from speculators they paid more but cashed a smaller 
per cent. 

Payment for many of these purchases were beginning to come 
due ( 1819) and there was an increasing demand for money. Im- 
migration had been encouraged until persons were enticed into 
the State, without money nor resources from which to obtain 
any. These, too, were equipped with a farming outfit and pro- 
vided with homes, accomplished by an exchange of labor. 

To meet the increasing demand for cash, a State bank was 
formed in 1821, without money and issued bank notes of one, 



STATE PERIOD. I45 

two, three, five, ten and twenty dollars. Heavy loans were 
made and the State either took personal or mortgaged security. 
Legislators firmly believed that they had contrived a means 
by which they would get the State out of her difficulty, while 
neighboring States were being swamped in bold speculations 
and would all break. Ford gives the following anecdote of 
Lieutenant-Governor Menard, when the latter put the vote to 
the Senate for resolutions to Congress to get that body to honor 
the bank money in reception for the purchase of land: " Gen- 
tlemen of de Senate, it is moved and seconded dat de notes of dis 
bank be made land-office money. All in favor of dat motion 
say aye; all against it, say no. It is decided in de affirmative. 
And now, gentlemen, I bet you one hundred dollars he never be 
made land office money." The Speaker of the House also be- 
lieved this a useless move and resigned to make a speech against 
the bill. Of course their bank currency was not made land- 
office money and the wild legislating was keenly felt in the fol- 
lowing administration. 

Capital Cliailgecl. — Prospects were discouraging for Kas- 
kaskia ever to become a large city because of its unfavorable 
surroundings, and as the location was distant from the center of 
the State, it was deemed prudent by the Legislature of 1819 to 
remove the capital to a more suitable locality. A committee 
was chosen to select such a spot. These men discovered, in a 
vast wilderness, what seemed to them a fine site for a flourishing 
town, and because of the classical significance of an Indian word 
" vandal " they named the "future city" Vandalia. Here the 
Second General Assembly convened December 4, 1S20. 

Kaskaskia suffered in the extreme from a loss of the law-mak- 
ing body. Her population at that time numbered 7,000; to-day 
there are but 300 souls in that once thriving town of the wilder- 
ness. The change has been more particularly from a freak of 
nature. Land in that locality is mellow and because of frequent 
inundations from the rivers the Kaskaskia has formed a new 
channel, leaving the "Ancient City of Illinois" upon an island, 
the banks of which are gradually wearing away. Thus the 
town that has furnished so much historical romance to the peo- 
ple of the West will shortlv be no more. 



146 HISTOKV OF ILLINOIS. 

Slavery in Illinois. — In 1S19, when the State govern- 
ment was forming, a new a code of shwe laws was instituted in 
order to prevent rebellion. These with a fe'-.v slight modifica- 
tions took the name of Black Laws. It was enacted that no 
negro or mulatto should reside in' the State until he had procured 
a certificate of freedom, and given bond, with security, for good 
behavior, and not to become a county charge. No person was 
to hire or harbor a negro or mulatto who had not complied with 
the law under the penaltv of $500 fine. All such free negroes 
were to cause their families to be registered. Every negro or 
mulatto not having a certificate of freedom, was to be deemed a 
runaway slave; was liable to be taken up by any inhabitant; 
committed by a Justice of the Peace; imprisoned by the Sheriff; 
advertised; sold for one year; and, if not claimed within that 
time, was to be considered free, unless the master should after- 
ward reclaim him. Anv person bringing a negro into the State 
to set him free, was liable to a fine of $200. Riots, routs, un- 
lawful assemblies and seditious speeches of slaves, were to be 
punished with stripes, not exceeding thirty-nine, at the discre- 
tion of any Justice of the Peace; also, slaves were to be pun- 
ished with thirty-five lashes for being found ten miles from home 
without a pass from .their master; also, it was made lawful for 
the owner of any dwelling or plantation to give, or order to be 
given, to any slave or servant coming upon his plantation, ten 
lashes upon his bare back; and persons who should permit slaves- 
and servants to assemble for dancing or revelmg, by night or 
day, were to be fined twenty dollars. It was made the duty of 
all Sheriffs, Coroners, Judges and Justices, on view of such an 
assemblage, to commit the slaves to jail, and to order each of them 
whipped, not exceedmg thirty-nine stripes on the bare back, to 
be inflicted the next day, unless the same should be Sunday and 
then on the next day after. In all cases where free persons wei'e 
punishable by fine under the crhninal laws of the State, servants 
were to be punished by whipping, at the rate of twenty lashes 
for every $S fine. No person was to buy of, sell to, or trade 
with a servant, without the consent of his master; and for so 
doing was to forfeit four times the value of the article bought> 
sold or traded. 



STATE PERIOD. l^J 

The propriety of keeping slaves had been discussed since etirly 
in United States history, but in 1820 the question was urged 
with more or less bitter feeling. The neighboring State, 
Missouri, was applying for admittance and, as the people therein 
were about equally divided on the slavery issue, the question was 
brought up in Congress whether it should be admitted as a free 
or a slave State. Henry Clay then brought forth a compromise 
bill by which it was admitted in 182 1 as a slave State but the 
practice was to be prohibited in all other territory lying west of 
the Mississippi River and north of 36 degrees 30 minutes. Illi- 
nois took up the question, for slavery was not prohibited and the 
State was Pro-Slavery on a test election. The census of iSio 
showed but 15S slaves in the entire Territory; of 1820,917; but 
in 1830 the number had diminished to 748, while in 1850 there 
were none. 

Counties Admitted. — The settlements increased rapidly. 
People flocked from all parts of the globe and the newer por- 
tions were being rapidly filled. The Legislature of 182 1 added 
seven new counties to the nineteen already formed — Fayette, 
Montgomery, Sangamon, Green, Pike, Lawrence and Hamilton. 

Election — Four candidates were placed in the field, of which 
two were of slavery persuasion and two anti-slaverv. Of the 
latter were Edward Coles, Land-Oftice Registrar of Edwards- 
ville, and General James B. Moore, of the State militia; of the 
former, Joseph Phillips, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and 
Thomas C. Brown, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. 
The election was held in August, 1822, and resulted in favor of 
Mr. Coles by fifty majority. Five candidates were in the field 
for Lieutenat-Governor, A. F. being elected. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Sliadracll Bond, first Governor of Illinois, was born in 
Frederick County, Maryland, in 1773. His father was a planter 
and engaged quite extensively in that branch of occupation, de- 
voting more attention to his farm than to the education of his 
children. There were but few places where the youth might be 
instructed in the days of young Bond, and he received but a 
meagre idea of the world, studying only the common branches 



148 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the few days he attended school. He, however, became a close 
observer and in time his knowledge was only surpassed by his 
intelligent reasoning and careful decisions. His complexion 
was dark but his eyes hazel. Always jovial and apparently in 
good humor, he never failed to please his companions, becoming 
a favorite, especially with the ladies. 

On his arrival in Illinois he engaged in farming, but was soon 
called to fill positions of trust, his first calling being to serve as a 
Delegate to the Indiana Territorial Convention. In 181 3 he was 
a Delegate to Congress and, in company with his wife, made the 
trip to Washington on horseback. In 18 14 he was receiver of 
public money ; after his Gubernatorial position, land-office regis- 
trar at Kaskaskia, near which place he lived. Here his career 
was ended April 12, 1832, and here his remains were interred. 
These, together with those of his wife, were removed by the 
State to Chester and a beautiful monument was erected to their 
memory. 



COLES'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1822-1836. 



Governor, .... Edward Coles. 

Lieutenant-Governor, - - - Adolphus S.Hubbard. 

Secretary of State, - - - (3 changes) 

Auditor, ... - Elijah C. Berry. 

rr (1822-33, . - - R. K. McLaughlin, 

ireasurer, < o 2. au ^- u 

' I 1833-27, ... Abner Field. 

Attorney-General, ... James Turley. 

1 r ( ^d House, ... Wm. L. Alexander. 
Speaker of | ^^^^ ,, ^\ _ _ ^^^^^^ ^,^^j^^^.^ 

!( 1818-25, Ninian Edwards. 

*' I 1825-31, Elias K. Kane. 

T. L., 1833-39, Jesse B. Thomas. 

1 Representative in Congress; Population in 1835, 73,817. 

The Third General Assembly convened December 3, 1823, 
and continued in session until February 11, 1833. The State was 
in a political blaze when the new administration took the reins 
of Government. 



STATE PERIOD. I49 

Slavery Agitation. — In his inaugural address Governor 
Coles advocated the emancipation of slaves held by the French. 
This aroused the party that believed it had the power to carry 
out measures at its own hand. The question that had been agi- 
tating the minds of the settlers seemed ready to come to a focus. 
Both parties had established newspapers in the principal towns, 
and had for their correspondents the dignitaries of the State. 

The Legislature was about equally divided on the question, and 
the elections had been close. It was thus in Pike County, a 
large territory lying between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers 
and extending north to the boundary. Nicholas Hanson and 
John Shaw each claimed the seat in the General Assembly, the 
former representing Anti-Slavery and the latter Pro-Slavery. 

The time of Jesse B. Thomas as United States Senator having 
nearly expired, the people desired his re-election. It was learned 
that Hanson, in spite of his Anti-Slavery views, would vote for 
him while Shavs^ would not because of personal animosities. In 
order, therefore, to re-elect Thomas, Hanson was allowed to 
take his seat in the Legislature; but immediately after the elec- 
tion for Senator he w^as compelled to give place to his opponent, 
having been a member for a period of only two months — the 
party now wishing to change the Constitution, a Pro-Slavery 
man would best answer their purpose. The motto, " Conven- 
tion or death " became common. 

Everything was now to be carried by storm. In the evening 
after this transaction a company of ratifiers entered the streets of 
the capital. The procession was headed by Judge Phillips, Judge 
Re^-nolds, Lieutenant-Governor Kinney and members of the 
Legislature. The party, in every respect, resembled a party of 
modern ratifiers. Tin horns were blown, drums beaten, guns 
fired, while those with good lungs exercised them in deafening 
shouts. 

The Pro-Slavery members lacked one vote for the necessary 
two-thirds majority to change the Constitution and the matter 
was laid before the people to vote upon at the coming election. 
Excitement ran high. Both parties immediately set to work for 
a thorough organization. On election day there was a general 
turn-out. Voters were brought to the polls on stretchers when 



15'^ HISTORY' OF ILLINOIS. 

too ill to be otherwise conveyed; the lame were not absent, 
neither the blind nor the deaf; boys suddenly became of age, 
though father maintained them sev^eral years thereafter and post- 
poned giving them the promised cow, horse or land, when of age. 

The election returns showed 11,772 votes polled, of which 
4,950 were for and 6,823 against a Constitutional Convention. 
This was the last effort to make Illinois a slave State. 

Finance. — As previously stated the State organized a bank 
in 182 1. Almost any one could borrow money and in a short 
time $300,000 had been lent. Soon the notes began to fall be- 
low^ par; the first fall was 25 cents, thence down the scale until 
the value was but 30 cents on $1. In consequence of this fall, 
although the Government declared a debtor not obliged to pay 
a debt for a space of three years wei'e he refused the acceptance 
of bank notes, money from other States naturally took its place 
and there w^as more Ohio and Kentucky currency in circulation 
than our own. The crisis from this visionary statesmanship was 
reached in 1824, in which year alone the State lost $100,000. 

School and Koacl Laws were enacted by the Fourth 
General Assembly ( 1S24) that were somewhat similar to those of 
to-day. These laws were not favorably received. Objections 
were especially raised by those wdio had been compelled to labor 
five days upon the highways but under the new law pay a few 
cents per capita. They also complained of the school tax, 
probably because their children were being educated free of 
charge. Such rebellious clamors were raised against the system 
that the next Legislature repealed the law. 

The Illinois & Michig'an Canal was Incorporated by 
an act of the Legislature in the spring of 1825. Its capital stock 
was to be $1,000,000 with an understanding that it was to be 
completed in ten years; the corporation to receive the benefit of 
tolls and donated public lands for fifty years, when both were to 
be transferred to the State and six per cent interest paid for the 
use of the money. 

Daniel P. Cook, in honor of whom Cook County is named 
and the only Representative from the State then in Congress, 
defeated the measure for the time. He said that the rich har- 
vest which it was destined to yield, should go into the treasury 



STATE PERIOD. I^l 

of the State; that in less than thirty years it would relieve the 
people of taxes, and leave a surplus to be applied to other w^orks 
of public utility. Through his efforts 224,320 acresof land were 
granted to Illinois by Congress, in 1S27, in alternate sections along 
the proposed canal route. 

Groveriior Coles Arrested. — Party spirit was again 

iiroused, in 1S35, when it was learned that Governor Coles had 
■wilfully violated the laws and Constitution of Illinois. Anyone 
bringing slaves into the State and freeing them was to give bond 
of $200 each as a guarantee for their good behavior. The Gov- 
ernor brought with him ten negroes whom he freed, paving no 
attention to the laws. His county brought suit of $2,000 against 
him and got judgment for the amount, but the Legislature inter- 
fered by changing the limitation of the statutes. The Judge 
could not accept the change and the matter was taken to a 
higher court where, through strategy, the decision was reversed. 

Lafayette's Visit. — In 1825 the State was honored by a 
visit from General Lafayette, General Washington's friend and he 
who fought hand in hand with the patriots in their struggle for 
Independence, although he was a resident of France. He had 
grown old in years but he was carried back to his 3'ounger days 
on meeting a few of the veterans he had once knowm. He v^^as 
given a reception at Kaskaskia and at Shawneetown, being the 
guest of the Governor. At the latter place his path was car- 
peted from the landing to Rawling's mansion and flowers were 
showered upon him by little girls arranged along the way. This 
house yet stands. 

Election. — The Presidential vote of 1824, in Illinois, stood 
as follows: Whigs, John Quincy Adams, 1,541, and Henrv 
Clay, 1,046; Democrats, Andrew Jackson, 1,273, and John C. 
Calhoun but a very small vote. Mr. Crawford, announced him- 
self as a fifth candidate subject to no convention nomination. 
Being a personal friend of Governor Coles, he received 218 votes. 

In the campaign of 1825 there were three Gubernatorial can- 
didates in the field — Ninian Edwards, Thomas Sloe and Adol- 
phus F. Hubbard. The candidates for Lieutenant-Governor 
were ministers of the gospel — William Kinney, a resident of the 
State from 1797 and a member of the Baptist church; Samuel 



152 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

H. Thompson, a Methodist. Edwards of Madison, and Kinney 
of St. Clair were elected. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Edward Coles, second Governor of Illinois, was a man of 
polished ideas and a refined gentleman but subject to whims pe- 
culiar to himself. He was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, 
December 15, 1786. He received a thorough common school 
education and afterward attended William and Mary College from 
which he graduated. In early life he became an associate of 
Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. He was 
also private secretary of President Madison for several years. 
In 1847 he visited Russia on a mission for the President. His 
taking up his residence in Illinois was merely accidental. It was 
anticipated that the candidates for President in the coming elec- 
tion would be John C. Calhoun and Secretary of Treasury Craw- 
ford. The Senators from Illinois were divided — Edwards sup- 
porting the former and Thomas the latter — and to overbalance 
the influence of Edwards, Mr. Coles was sent to the State, get- 
ting the appointment of land-oflice registrar at Edwardsville 
through the influence of Mr. Crawford. 

Governor Coles was an uncompromising opposer of slavery. 
Having been a planter in Virginia, when he moved to Illinois 
he emancipated his slaves, giving to each a piece of land they 
might call their own. He became enthused upon the question 
and during his Gubernatorial career directed most of his efforts in 
this direction. He figured but little in politics after retiring 
from this office. In 1833 he moved to Philadelphia where he 
died July 7, 1868. 



EDWARDS'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1826-1830. 



Governor, .... Ninian Edwards* 

Lieutenant-Governor, - - - William Kinney. 

Secretary of State, \ 'l'^'^^^ " " ..^^""Y S^'Tf,'' 

■^ ' (1828-39,- - Alexander P. Field. 



STATE PERIOD. I53 

Auditor, .... Elijah C. Berry. 

rj^ \ i82'?-27, ... Abner Field. 

Ireasurer, < o z. t u n 

' \ 1827-31, - . - James Hall. 

Attorney-General, ... George Farquer. 

, r \ 5th House, - - - Joh" McLean, 
bpeaker ot | ^^j^ u ^. . . 

iE.L., 1825-31, Elias K. Kane. 

( 1823-29, Jesse B, Thomas. 

'' I 1S29-30, John McLean. 

1 Representative in Congress; Population in 1825, 72,817. 

The Fifth General Assembly convened December 4, 1826, 
and continued in session until the following February 9. 

Governor Edwards took charge of the State Govern- 
ment at a disadvantage, yet he did justice to the people holding 
the reputation he had already gained and at the same time con- 
ducting his own administration. In his campaign speeches he 
denounced public men who labored for self gain by robbing the 
people of their dues. For this he endured the enmity of poli- 
ticians and many employes of the civil service. Standing alone 
he publicly exposed the duplicity and carelessness of the cashier, 
T. W. Smith, of the Edwardsville branch of the State bank. 
He told of the great burden that was oppressing them because 
of a reckless banking system and advocated a change. This was 
striking at the very base of political favoritism which was too 
much for the guilty who heaped maledictions upon him from 
every quarter, referring to the time in particular when he had 
publicly accused Mr. Crawford, Secretary of the United States 
Treasury, of the embezzlement of Treasury funds for campaign 
purposes — but in this he was backed by the President himself 
and other men of prominence. 

In his inaugural speech he suggested an immediate examination 
of the Edwardsville branch of the Illinois bank, enumerating 
reckless loans, also loans to officers that had never been entered 
upon the books. The Legislature chose an investigating com- 
mittee, made up of Mr. Edward's enemies, who reported the 
bank in good condition. 

The Circuit Judges were regarded by him as of no conse- 
quence under the circumstances, and he advocated the holding 
of court by the Supreme Judges twice a year with an increase 



154 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of salar\ ', dispensing with Circuit Judges entirely. This propo- 
sition met with favor, from the fact that many of the de- 
feated candidates for the office were in the Legislature, and they 
greatly desired to see their opponents ousted. (See Territorial 
Period for a sketch of the early life of Ninian Edwards.) 

Wiuiiebag'O War. — Origin. — In the summer of 1827 
two keel boats, sent with supplies to Fort Snelling, stopped at a 
large camp of Winnebagoes a short distance above Prairie du 
Chine. Getting the warriors drunk the boatmen enticed squaws 
on board and set sail, but on their return they were attacked by 
the outraged Indians. The contest was warm, several Whites 
and many Winnebagoes being killed. 

Expedition. — A few days after this Lewis Cass, by previous 
agreement, was to meet this and other tribes to negotiate a treaty 
with them, but not an Indian appeared. Realizing that some- 
thing was wrong he repaired to Prairie du Chine Avhere he 
found the Whites had taken shelter within the barracks and 
learned that the Winnebagoes, Sacs and Siouxs had begun scalp- 
ing the helpless and innocent. He then proceeded down the 
river and warned the settlers of their danger. For the safety of 
the Galena settlements General Tom M. Neale, of Sangamon 
County, was sent against the Indians. Red Bird, a Sioux chief, 
surrendered. He and other chiefs were taken to Prairie du 
Chine and lodged in jail. Several were acquitted and several 
hung while Red Bird pined away and died from humiliation 
and close confinement. 

PuMic Land Scheme. — In the session of iS27the ques- 
tion of reducing the price on public lands came up and it w^as 
thought best to petition Congress to make the price easier. The 
Governor suggested a surrender of the lands in Illinois to the 
State where he claimed they properly belonged and not to the 
LTnited States. His proposition was at first thought unreasonable. 
In his message to the Sixth General Assembly he brought up 
the matter again with a considerable degree of eloquence. The 
politicians believed this a good opportunity to gain notoriety ; the 
resolution passed and a petition, that received general approval, 
was dispatched to Washington. The result was only as was 
formerly anticipated — the United States disposed of the lands. 



STATE PERIOD. 



155 



Origin of " Sucker." — The Illinoisans ran up the Mis- 
sissippi River in steamboats in the spring, worked the lead mines 
during warm weather, and then down the river again to their 
homes in the fall, thus establishing a similitude between their 
migratory habits and those of the fishy tribe called suckers. For 
this they were called " Suckers," especially by the Missourians. 
Analogies always rebound. So the Illinoisans by wav of retali- 
ation, called the Missourians "Pukes." It had been observed 
that the lower lead mines in Missouri had sent up to the Galena 
mines whole loads of uncouth ruffians, from which it was inferred 
that Missouri had taken a puke and had vomited to the upper 
lead mines all her worst population. By these names, " Suck- 
ers" and "Pukes," the Illinoisans and Missourians are likely to 
be called forever. 

Election. — The Legislature of 1S39 changed the mode of 
voting, which had been most of the time by ballot, to "viva 
voce " to prevent fraudulent voting by impositions upon the 
illiterate. 

No party lines were drawn in the political contest at the close 
of Edward's administration; the only decision to be made was in 
the choice between the men, who were both Democrats, as were 
most of the people of the State. They were William Kinney, 
the Lieutenant-Governor, and John Reynolds, an ex -Associate 
Justice of the Supreme Court; candidates for Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor were Rigdon B. Slocumb and Zadok Casey, the latter 
an intelligent man and a fluent speaker, but was possessed of a 
limited education. Reynolds and Casey were elected. 



-:o:- 



REYNOLDS'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1830-1834. 



Governor, 
Lieutenant-Governor 



Secretarv of State, 

Auditor, - 

1827-31, 
1831-36, 



( 1830-32, 
' 1 1832-34, 



Treasurer, 



John Reynolds. 

Zadok Casev. 

W. L. D. Ewing. 

Alexander P. Field. 

James B. T. Stapp. 

James Hall. 

John Dement. 



156 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Attorney-General, - - . George Farquer. 

, J- \ 7th House, - - - W. L. D. Ewinsr.^ 
Speaker of I /^j^ " ;. - - Alex. M. Jenkins. 

TT -i. ] Oi ^ e i- \ E.L., 18^1-^=;, - Elias K. Kane.. 

United btates Senators, ■{ ' o'' ^^ r ^ tvt ii 1 • 

I T. L., 1530-35, - John M. Robinson. 

1 Representative in Congress; Population in 1S30, 157,447. 

The Seventh General Assembly convened December 6, 1830, 
and continued in session until the following February 16. 

Keyiiolds vs. Leg^islature. — As the Senate was made 
up principally of Jackson men, Reynolds being opposed to 
Jackson, a disagreement manifested itself when the latter began 
making appointments. Henry Eddy, Sidney Breese, Alfred 
Cowler and Thomas Ford were all Prosecuting- Attorneys and 
had served the people satisfactorily, yet the Senate renioved all 
but the latter. The Governor re-appointed and still the Senate 
was not satisfied. Finally when the Legislature adjourned the 
former appointments were again made by the Governor. 

A Timid Leg'islature. — This Assembly might well be 
called the fearless-timid Legislature — fearless upon the enactment 
of certain laws but timid when rebuked by the stay-at-home pol- 
iticians. They passed a bill for the establishment of a peniten- 
tiary, doing away with the pillory and the whip, but it was by a 
request of the people. The notorious State bank was yet in ex- 
istence, but in no better condition than it had been one year 
after its establishment; besides, the notes werecomingdue and no 
former Legislature had acted upon the matter. Something must 
now be done or the State would sink into bankruptcy. Accord- 
ingly the State borrowed $100,000 at 6 per cent, which was 
known as the " Wiggins Loan." This turn produced confix 
dence. Although it was the best move they could have made,, 
the members slunk home as if they had committed a sad blunder. 

THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA.— Population had 
increased to 157,447 but civil authority had changed but little. 
The people remained under a form of Government only forsake 
of fashion, not realizing the importance of joroper legislation as 
to the moral welfare of the citizens or the advancement of the 
State in industry and enterprise. If a plan were introduced it 
was looked upon as mere child's play and the whole scheme would 



STATE PERIOD. I57 

fall to pieces. The same drawback was common in those days 
that exists and flourishes to-day in certain localities; the people 
had lived neighborly for years, determined in their minds upon 
the styles of the institutions they desired, but they were to be 
just what George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or John Adams 
approved. Continual war was waged between the non-progres- 
sive and the spirited elements; frequent quarrels would be 
aroused and would often end in fights. Men learned to disagree 
both politically and religiously. 

Ministers of the gospel would often be disputed. They were 
not required to be learned gentlemen but men that could take a 
text, begin in a low, humiliated tone verging upon a singsong — 
then decidedly singsong, increasing in volume— ,swinging the 
arms and body until a perspiration began to flow, when they 
would " haul their coats " and, in shirt-sleeves, finish a long and 
difficult harangue. The loudest sermons were pronounced the 
best and if a minister could display a more or less degree 
of sadness and shed a few tears he was pronounced sincere and 
his sermon a convincing one. The people regularly attended 
church and would talk over the sermons for days after hearing 
them. As the denominations were new in popular patronage, 
each member thought his creed was the right one, thus bitter 
church disputes arose. 

In 1S20 the first educated ministers arrived but they were long 
looked upon with a jealous eye by the older people and especially 
by uneducated ministers who claimed that these brothers were 
"selling the gospel." But as they were a sort of missionary 
from the Eastern States and were paid principally by people of 
that locality, a place was given them, generally in villages and 
towns while the old-fashioned clergy were retained in the coun- 
try circuits. 

Justice, in point of law, was dished out equally peculiar. 
There were two or three lawyers who had given careful study 
to this pi'ofession though the bulk were men, picked up, who 
had natural faculties to become LL. D's., but had never been 
placed in positions to master their subjects, nor learn little arts of 
trickery. The usual places for holding court were in log houses 
and in close rooms similar in size to those where our Justices of 



158 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the Peace transact business to-day, because of which the people 
were usually obliged to stand. If it were a summer day when an 
important case was to be tried the people would congre- 
gate in squads outside until the clerk would appear with the usual 

information, " Come in, boys, Old is going to hold 

court;" on hearing this there would be a rush for the best positions, 
to find a seat if possible or a place to lean against. Judges were 
sedate and dignified, exceedingly careful that they did not of- 
fend any one lest they should grow unpopular. Thev would 
seldom allow cases to be tried before them that required their 
decision, always demanding a jury on which they gravely placed 
all responsibility, frequently refusing to instruct this body as the 
law required them to do. 

A man had been tried for murder before a jDrominent Judge, 
and after the jury rendered a verdict of "guilty of murder," the 
Judge thus addressed the young man: " Mr. Green, the jury 
in their verdict sa}' you are guilty of murder, and the law says 
you are to be hung. Now I want you and all your friends down 
on Indian Creek, to know that it is not I who condemns you,^ 
but it is the jury and the law. Mr. Green the law allov^'s you 
time for preparation, and so the court wants to know what time 
you would like to be hung." He was compelled to set the time, 
however, for the prisoner answered, " May it please the court, I 
am ready at any time; those who kill the body have no power 
to kill the soul, my preparation is made, and I am ready to suffer 
at any time the court appoints." After twisting about, the 
Judge stammered out, " Mr. Green, you must know that it is a 
very serious matter to be hung, it can't happen to a man more 
than once in his life, and you had better take all the time you can 
get. The court will give you until this day four weeks. Mr. 
Clerk, look at the almanac and see whether this day four weeks 
comes on Sunday." Upon the clerk's ascertaining that " this 
day four weeks" came on Thursday the Judge proceeded, " Mr. 
Green, the court gives you until this day four weeks, at which 
time you are to be hung." 

Prior to the year 1830 the people dressed in costumes similar 
to those worn by the earlier settlers, giving little or no thought to 
art, science or refinement — in fact those out of the regular custom 



STATE PERIOD. I591 

of the country were pronounced foppish or flippant if they went 
to one extreme, vulgar, if to the other. About this time the 
trade of Illinois with other States brought merchants from the 
East into the larger towns; merchants went to New York or 
Philadelphia almost every year for goods; commerce was estab- 
lishetl upon the rivers by means of steamboats, carrying people 
to and frona the older States in much less time than formerly. 
These associations brought about a marked change, but the oldei" 
people of the State looked upon it as being a ruination to the 
country and especially to the young who paid " too much atten- 
tion to neatness and dress," 

The bowie-knife was gradually omitted from the belt, people 
became more ambitious and industrious, inventions were studied^ 
railroads were talked about and the progressive looked forward 
to a further development of the State. 

BLACK HAWK WAR. 

Scarcely had the Legislature adjourned until hostilities witb 
the Indians broke out and a war began that terminated only 
when the lives of many innocent settlers and vengeful savages. 
had been sacrificed. This was the noted Black Hawk war.. 

Cause. — A large tract of land had been purchased from the 
Sacs and Foxes, by the Government in a conference at St. Louis,, 
in 1804, Governor Harrison conducting the treaty in person ► 
This treaty was confirmed by Black Hawk (Mucata Muhicatah) 
and Keokuk in a conference, in 1S15, with Governor Edwards; 
but on the demand, in 1S30, for the tribe to remain west of the 
Mississippi and cease insults, Black Hawk denied the validity of 
the treaty and manifested a rebellious spirit. He declared that 
the chiefs w^ere made drunk and signed a paper when too stupid. 
to know the importance of the document. Keokuk declared 
the treaty just, remaining at home with the tribe that was under 
his influence, while Black Hawk, impatient for revenge upon 
the settlers with whom he would never trade in time of war, and 
300 warriors crossed the river and took up their residence in an 
old Indian town on th'e river bank that had once accommodated 
from 6,000 to 7,000 of this tribe. 

Hostilities Opened almost immediately after the Indians 



l6o HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

crossed the river, when warring parties sallied forth to commit dep- 
redations upon the Whites. The settlers laid in a complaint to the 
Governor who at once set about to right the matter. The peo- 
ple had been undisturbed in their peaceful habitations for nearly 
twenty years. The counties in the South and Southwest had 
become thickly inhabited, but in the remainder of the State the 
settlements were few and far apart. 

General Gaines's Treaty. — General Gaines was sent, 

in June, 1831, to Rock Island where he learned that war could 
not be averted and immediately requested Governor Reynolds to 
send 700 volunteers. The number being raised, Joseph Duncan 
of the State militia, afterwards Governor, was placed in com- 
mand. They j^roceeded to the mouth of Rock River where 
they met General Gaines in a steamboat but by some misunder- 
standing or bad management, the Indians escaped at a point now 
known as Rockport. As General Gaines threatened to continue 
the war even across the river Black Hawk and his frightened 
chiefs sued for peace and the expedition i^eturned with but the 
satisfaction of having burned a deserted town. 

Battle of Old Man's Creek.— The treaty was ob- 
served, on the part of the Indians, but a few months when those 
desiring warfare re-crossed the river and visited the Pottawato- 
mies and Winnebagoes, a part of whom they easily persuaded to 
join them. It took only a few days for the settlers to arm them- 
selves, and soon i,Soo men were in pursuit. They marched to 
Ogee's Ferry, established for tlie crossing of emigrants on their 
way to and from the Galena mines and where a post office was 
in charge of John Dixon, the veteran mail carrier between Ft. 
Clark (Peoria) and the mines. Here, now known as Dixon, a 
halt was made to secure provisions and to learn, if possible, the 
position of their enemy- General Samuel Whitesides was put 
in command of the entire army, it having been recruited and 
numbering 2,000 strong. 

A company of frontier men from the counties of McLean, 
Tazewell and Fulton, who were eager for a fight, offered their 
services, 275 in number, to find the Indians. After a few days' 
search they succeeded in capturing three of the foe, but lost ten or 
twelve men of their own number. They came back to camp at 



STATE PERIOD. l6l 

Dixon in post-haste, one or two dropping in at a time, Major 
Stillman, the commander, having lost all control of his men. 

Army Disblllldecl. — The army was without food, save a 
few cattle they had received from John Dixon, and grew almost 
mutinous in their anxiety to be discharged, having left home 
and business without preparations; yet they marched against the 
enemies' camp, from which Stillman's men beat a rapid retreat, 
but not an Indian was to be found. The forces returned to 
Ogee's Ferry- (Dixon) and were discharged by the Governor, 
their time of three months' enlistment having expired. A few 
companies remained to guard the country until fresh volunteers 
could arrive. 

Indian Creek Massacre. — On the 21st of May, 1832, 

shortly after the troops had been disbanded and before another 
armv had been raised, a party of Indians fell upon the settle- 
ment on Indian Creek, a tributary' to the Fox River, and massa- 
cred fifteen persons — men, women and children, in three familes 
of Davis, Hall and Pettygrew; also taking two girls, Sylvia and 
Rachel Hall, prisoners, whom they conveyed into Wisconsin 
where they were afterward ransomed by the payment of $1,000. 
The account of this horrible butchery was given by the Indians 
themselves. They told the story of the deed with much interest, 
laughing at the shrieks and groans of their victims as the spears 
and tomahawks were thrust into the vital parts of the bodies. 
They told of the amusement they had had in mutilating the dead 
and leaving them in grotesque positions. The remains of this 
brutal carnage were carefully gathered together by General 
Whitesides and buried in one common grave. 

Battle of Burr Oak Grove. — While the new army 

was being raised Indian depredations continued throughout the 
State. June 15 the forces assembled at Beardstown and Hen- 
nepin, intending to scour the country. General Whitesides, hav- 
ing been relieved of his command, enlisted as a private. The 
work was continued for a short time in bands of skirmishers. 

An attack was made on Captain Snyder's forces while en- 
camped at Burr Oak Grove, June 17, by a party of seventy 
Indians. As a portion of the troops had just returned from 
pursuing a small band of the eneuiy, the camp was surprised 



l63 HISTOKV OF ILLINOIS. 

and began beating a hasty retreat when Captain Snyder called 
upon General Whitesides, then a private, to assist him in rally- 
ing his men. The General raised his gun and threatened to 
shoot the first man that ran. His words turned the tide of 
battle and in a short time he proved his skill as a marksman by 
shooting the leader, when the Indians retreated with a slight loss 
on either side. 

Battle of Apple River Fort. — An attack was made 

on Apple River Fort at the present town of Elizabeth, near 
Galena, when the latter was a village of but 400 inhabitants. 
This fort was only a place of refuge for the tvveny-five settlers 
of that immediate locality. When Black Hawk and his allies- 
arrived the people fled to the fort and all worked diligently. 
Women molded bullets and the men fought vigorously for fif- 
teen hours, when the siege was raised. A short time afterward 
forces arrived from Galena, that had been notified by a man se- 
cretly dispatched for that purpose, and pursued the Indians for 
a considerable distance but without result. 

To Arms! — Three men were killed in a lead mine near 
Fort Hamilton by a party of eleven savages. General Dodge 
of Wisconsin started in hot pursuit, overtook them and killed the 
entire party who sung the death song while they fought desper- 
ately. 

Captain Stephenson of the same locality pursued a party of 
Indians with less success. The latter took refuge in a thicket 
and repulsed the Whites who were mortified at their defeat and 
made a second desperate assault, but with the loss of five men^ 
were compelled to abandon the attempt to drive them from their 
thick covert. 

Such atrocities were constantly being committed all over the 
countr}' that the settlers saw an immediate necessity to rally and 
put a stop to such continual and petty warfare. 

Major Denioiit's Eiigagement. — Major Demont, in 
command of a battalion of scouts, was sent in advance of the 
main army. On the 25th of June he learned that a force of 
500 warriors, under command of Black Hawk, was near at hand. 
The troops were filled with excitement believing an engage- 
ment with the entire Indian force was at hand. Demont accord- 



STATE PERIOD. 163 

ingly pushed forward to entice them into battle though General 
Atkinson was with the main command at Dixon. 

He had proceeded but a short distance when a few of the 
enemy's scouts were discovered, and some of his men, eager for 
a fight, started in pursuit contrary to orders. In his endeavors 
to recall these soldiers, he, with but twenty men, ventured a 
mile away from the main army. Here he was attacked by 300 
warriors lying in ambush. Slowly retreating and by sending 
oi'ders to his men, he collected his forces near a group of log 
buildings which they entered, and being thus fortified were able 
to repulse the assailants after an hour's siege. 

Suffering" of the Army. — Seakchixg for a Foe. — 
When the news of the attack on Major Demont reached General 
Atkinson at Dixon, men under Alexander were dispatched to 
the vicinity of Galena to prevent the Indians from escaping across 
the river while he advanced toward a region known as the Four 
Lakes. Reconnoitering parties were sent out to scour the 
country but each returned empty handed and without any infor- 
mation regarding the enemy. A band of Pottawatomies now 
joined the Whites and about the same time Major Dodge arrived 
with a company from Wisconsin. The army wandered about 
for eight weeks without finding a foe or trophies of warfare. 
They endured fatigue and hardships. Often the food became 
scarce and before fresh supplies could arrive the troops would be 
almost famished. 

The Trembling Lands wei'e now entered. These are 
immense flats of turf, extending for miles in every direction, 
from six inches to a foot in thickness, resting upon water and beds 
of quicksand. A horseman or even a single soldier passing over 
produces a quivering motion. Horses Would sometimes, on the 
thinner portions, force a foot through and fall to the shoidder: 
yet so great is the tenacity of the upper surface that in no in- 
stance was there any trouble in getting them out. In some 
places the weight of the earth forces a stream of water upwards, 
which carrving with it and depositing large quantities of sand, 
forms a mound. The mound, increasing in weight as it enlarges, 
increases the pressure on the water below, presenting the novel 
sight of a fountain in the prairie pouring its clear stream down 



164 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the side of a small mound, then to be absorbed by the sand and 
returned to the waters beneath. While 'n this locality comfort- 
able encampment and rapid march were impracticable. 

CamiJaigll for 1833. — No United States troops having 
yet arrived, the army was composed principall}' of Illinois men; a 
few troops, however, from Wisconsin and Missouri aided. It 
was divided into three detachments: General Posey to go to 
Fort Hamilton; Colonel Ewing, to Dixon; Henry, Alexander 
and Dodge, to Fort Winnebago, situated at the point of great- 
est proximity between the two rivers — Fox and Wisconsin; 
while General Atkinson was to have command of the entire 
force and was to first build a fort at Lake Kush-Konong. 

Alexander's division became mutinous, would not march as 
directed and was sent back to reniain with General Atkinson,* 
Dodge complained that his horses were tired out from a recent 
march and it would be difficult to proceed; Henry's men 
likewise protested when they saw so many odds against them 
and all the officers of Colonel Fry's regiment signed a protest 
which they presented to General Henry who acted upon the 
matter by putting the dissatisfied officers vmder arrest to be sent 
to General Atkinson. This was too much for the commanders 
who pleaded earnestly to remain, swearing allegiance to their 
leader in all he chose to undertake, and with tears in their eyes 
implored him to take no fui'ther action in the matter. Fresh 
horses arrived for General Dodge, and confidence being restored, 
the little army took up its march July 14. General Henry was 
first in command; White Pawnee, a Winnebago chief, and Po- 
quette, a half-breed, acted as guides. 

Treacherous Indian Guides. — White Pawnee and 

Poquette were false to the Whites and led them astray in several 
instances, which was, however, detected by a lucky occurrence. 
It seems that they reported the enemy up the river about twelve 
miles from the fort and that two men, with Little Thunder as 
guide, were sent south to inform General Atkinson of the fact; 
but when a few miles on their journey the messengers discovered 
a trail over which Black Hawk had passed a short time before. 
Their threats alarmed Little Thunder, who ffed back and in- 
formed White Pawnee and Poquette of the discovery. They 



STATE PERIOD. 165 

all attempted to escape but their designs were discovered by an 
officer who immediately reported to General Henry. Fearing 
trouble, should the affair be known to the soldiers, they were 
reprimanded and threatened privately. This led to a truthful 
revelation of the whole matter, and the exact position of Black 
Hawk and his forces. 

A Stampede took place among the army horses, July 12. 
A fright was caused by an unknown means and everv animal 
tore loose, bounding over the prairie at full speed. In this over 
a hundred horses were lost, either by death or inability of the 
owners to find them. 

Black Hawk's Retreat.— The chase now began. All 
set out in good spirits; those deprived of horses were at times re- 
lieved by those who were in possession of them. Few were 
encumbered with baggage, unnecessary articles having been cast 
aside. When the troops got sight of the plain trail they were 
eager for the chase. Every article found along the way that 
had been abandoned by the retreating enemy, forced a smile 
from one to the other; it was an evidence that revenge, so sweet, 
was soon to be tasted, and there was a prospect for the speedy 
termination of the war. Their joy was clouded by suffering 
on many occasions. The second night they were exposed to 
a severe thunder-storm, when the torrents of rain poured upon 
them in fearful flood; fires could not be built, clothing could not 
be dried nor food cooked. It was a repetition of the hardships 
of war endured by every soldier. The next was more favor- 
able. Rain had ceased, food had been prepared, and they en- 
joyed a refreshing sleep beneath the broad dome of Heaven with 
only an ethereal covering between. When morning dawned 
the troops were again in the distinct path of their retreating 
foe. A repeated command was, "Close up ranks," "Close up 
ranks," when the men on foot were even in a run to keep up 
with horsemen. The advance guard was seldom very far ahead 
of the main portion of the army. Limbs grew tired but hearts 
lightened as an occasional sick Indian was overtaken, having 
been left behind to await his fate at the hands of an enemv he 
had once defied. Then cooking vessels were found along the 
trail, an occasional blanket and various other articles that had a 



l66 HISTORV OF ILLINOIS. 

tendency to hinder a rapid retreat. 

Finally the advance of our army came in sight of the rear of 
the savages, then all disappeared and nothing was left but a 
trail to indicate the course they had taken. . It became evi- 
dent that a general battle was not far distant, though Black 
Hawk endeavored by every means in his power to reach Wis- 
consin River. Skirmishing parties were repeatedly left behind 
to annoy the pursuers and thus hinder their rapid advance. They 
reached the broken country, but the savages were unable to ef- 
fect a crossing under such pressing circumstances. 

Battle of the Wisconsin. — The Indians secreted them- 
selves along a deep ravine and when the Whites came up poured 
a rapid fire into their ranks. At this juncture Major W. L. D. 
Ewing, commander of the advance battalion, and Major Dodge, 
in charge of Wisconsin troops, halted awaiting the arrival of 
General Henry who soon came up with the bulk of the army 
and formed them into line of battle. A charge was ordered 
along the whole line. This was promptly obeyed, sending Black 
Hawk and his forces to the long grass in the bottoni, where they 
made another resistance, but as night came on the fighting was 
discontinued. In the morning the troops were again in arms 
and ready for the conflict but the savages had retreated across 
the river and were out of Immediate reach. 

Sixty-eight Indians were left dead on the battle-field, while 
many were afterward found who had died from their wounds 
in the course of their march. General Henry, knowing from 
experience in previous engagements that the savages had been 
instructed to aim high, ordered all the cavalry and officers to 
dismount and leave their horses in the rear. Thus the Indians 
in obeying orders had overshot their mark, having killed but 
one man and wounded eight. 

The success of this engagement was not made public by Gen- 
eral Henry but by Major Dodge and his friend. Doctor Phillio, 
editor of the "Galenian;" consequently the Wisconsin gentle- 
man, afterward Governor, took upon himself the honors that 
should have been loyally given another. The correction was 
first made public by Governor Ford in a lecture of February 17, 
1S43, which was then generally published by the press. 



STATE PERIOD. 167 

A Race for the Mississippi. — On the day following 

the battle of the Wisconsin, as soon as new guides could be pro- 
cured, General Henry and his command retired to the Blue 
]Mounds, where^they received provisions and were joined by the 
remainder of the army under General Atkinson. After a few 
days spent in recruiting, the entire army started in pursuit of the 
Indians. 

At this time an indignity was put upon the most efficient offi- 
cer and his brave men. General Henry had done all in this 
expedition that had yet been done to capture the barbarous en- 
emy, but his entire command was placed in the rear during the 
niarch and ordered to take charge of the bag-g-aore now beingf 
drawn with difficulty over the hilly country. They keenly felt 
the insult but were too gentlemanly to retaliate, knowing that 
just dues would finally rest where they belonged. But the op- 
portunity again presented itself in which the young General 
clearly demonstrated his superiority as a commander over any 
3'et in the field. 

Four days pin-suit led the army to the bluffs of the Mississippi, 
the enemy not yet having effected a crossing. On the 29th of 
July they made the attempt but were frustrated in their designs 
by the timely arrival of the steamer Warrior, which opened such 
a deadly fire upon them that several were killed and the remain- 
der frightened. 

Battle of Bad Axe. — Here Black Hawk by skillful ma- 
neuvering led General Atkinson into a trap. In order to keep 
the Whites back and allow his braves time to cross, this great 
chief, with twent}^ picked warriors, hid in the woods and when 
the forces came up began an attack. Atkinson formed his men 
into line and made a charge, the Indians retreating toward the 
river but three miles above a point where the others were 
crossing. 

When General Henry, with his baggage train, arrived at the 
spot where the engagement had begun, he discovered that At- 
kinson had been out-generaled. B\' consent of the principal 
officers he left his baggage and horses, and pursued the trail 
which soon led them to the river where about 150 warriors were 
crossing. On these they charged to prevent them from escaping 



I 68 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

any farther than to an island in the river. Atkinson, hearing the 
firing in the distance, perceived what mistake had been made 
and, to prevent Henry from reaping an entire victory, came 
hastily upon the field — leaving his twenty Indians — and made 
a charge on the few helpless fellows that had reached the island. 

Scott's Army. — General Scott was sent West with United 
States troops but being prevented by Asiatic cholera, which 
swept off a large number of his army, did not arrive until a 
treaty had been made. Four steamers — Henry Clay, Superior, 
Sheldon Thompson and William Penn — were chartered for the 
passage of the troops. So desperately did the cholera rage that 
two were abandoned before they reached their destined point on 
Lake Michigan — Chicago. 

The army, after landing, passed through Gilbert's Grove and 
Elgin; thence to Beloit, W^isconsin, where the army went 
into camp and several more soldiers died. At this place 
news reached them that the war had ended. They then started 
on their homeward march, going by way of Rockford, and 
down Rock River to Fort Armstrong, thence by steamer to 
their homes. It might be here mentioned that many of the 
soldiers were so delighted with the country through which they 
passed, that but a few years elapsed before they returned with 
their families and friends to make their homes in Illinois. 

Peace. — The Battle of Bad Axe virtually ended the war, 
Black Hawk being captured a few days thereafter and taken into 
custody. The soldiers returned to their homes and settled down 
to domestic affairs. 



The Eighth General Assembly convened Decem- 
ber 3, 1S32, and adjourned the following March 3. This session 
proved an interesting one, the project of building railroads be- 
mg warmly discussed. The building of the Illinois Central 
road from Peru to Cairo was introduced by Speaker Alexander 
Jenkins, and a survey across the State through Springfield, now 
the Wabash, was proposed by George Farquer. 

Election. — In August, 1S34, four candidates were in the 
field for Governor and four for Lieutenant-Governor; the j^arties 



STATE PERIOD. 169 

were Whig and Democrat. Joseph Duncan of Morgan County, 
an Anti-Jackson man but generally supposed to be a warm friend 
to him (he was then in the United States Senate and the peo- 
ple could not exactly determine his political belief), was chosen 
Governor and Alexander M. Jenkins, Lieutenant-Governor. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Jollll Keyiiolds, the fourth Governor of Illinois, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, born in 17SS, of Irish parentage, and 
moved to Illinois in iSoo, subsequently residing in Tennessee in 
which State he was educated, returning for that purpose after 
his parents had taken up their residence in this State. Though 
he received a classical education his natvn-e failed to grasp it in 
that light. He was addicted to profanity and thoroughly de- 
tested those who chose to select their language. However, this 
brusqueness was ameliorated in a great measure by a kind dispo- 
sition. He vs^as a staunch Democrat and a warm admirer of 
Buchanan, though he preferred Lincoln to Douglas. He was a 
member of the Charleston convention and was greatly respected 
because of his age. His days were ended at Belleville in 1S65. 

Oeneral Henry, the hero of the Black Hawk War, was 
an earnest, sober-minded man of ability and worth. He was of 
a sensitive nature, never retaliating but making the most of a civil 
attack. In disposition, he was distant — even his more intimate 
friends knew little of his early life. Two years after the close 
of the Black Hawk War he went to New Orleans for health, 
having symptoms of consumption. At this place he lingered 
for many months, being unknown to his attendant who not 
once dreamed of being in the presence of a hero whose record 
helped make another a Governor. He had never married and 
died March 4, 1843, and not until then was his whereabouts 
known. Papers were found on his person that revealed the 
myster}- and stranger. 

Black Hawk was born in a large Indian village on the 
Rock River near its mouth, in 1768, and was of Sac parentage. 
He attained the high position of chief by his daring bravery 
and vigorous manhood. He despised the colonists and helped 
to secure many scalps during the War of 1S12 as well as in the 



HISTORV OF ILLINOIS. 



Black Hawk War. He raised a family of children to whom he 
was always kind as he was also to his wife. He dearly loved 
his tribe and reverenced his ancestors, to whom he would often 
refer. He was captured in 1S32, soon after the Battle of Bad 
Axe, by a company of Winnebagoes who delivered him to the 
Whites. He was taken to Washington before President Jack- 
son whom he addressed as follows: " I am a man and you are 
another. We did not expect to conquer the white people. I 
took up the hatchet to revenge injuries which could no longer 
be borne. Had I borne them longer, my people would have 
said, ' Black Hawk is a squaw. He is too old to be a chief. He 
is no Sac' All is known to you. Keokuk once was here; you 
sent him back to his nation. Black Hawk expects that, like Ke- 
okuk, he will be permitted to return too." The President as- 
sured him that when there was no more danger of another out- 
break he might return but for the present it was best for him to 
remain in bondage. He was taken to Fortress Monroe where 
he remained until June, 1833, when he was given his liberty. 

He was an object of interest to the people who made 
much ado over him during his imprisonment. He became at- 
tached to the commander. General Eustis, and upon leaving 
presented him with a bunch of white eagle feathers and a hunt- 
ing-dress, asking him to keep them in remembrance of Black 
Hawk. This noted warrior died October 3, 1S38. 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1834-1838. 



Governor, .... Joseph Duncnn. 

, . ^ ( 1834-36, - Alex. M. Jenkins. 

Lieutenant-Governor, ■{ n'^J Xq wt tj -r\ ■ 1 

' I 1036-30, - VV. H. Davidson. 

Secretary of State, ... Alexander P. Field. 

Auditor i^"" '^35. - ■ " James P. B. Stapp. 

Auditoi, I 1835-41, - - - Levi Davis. 

Treasurer i 1^31-36, - - - John Dement, 

ireasuiei, | 1S36-41, - - - Charles Gregory. 

Attorney-General, ... (four changes) 

9th House, - - James Sample. 



Speaker of | ^9^^ 



STATE PERIOD. 



171 



Ul I ^^35-37, W. L.D.Ewing. 

United States Senators, ■/ ' '' | 1S37-41, Richard M. \ oung. 

I T.L., 1835-41, - John M. Robinson. 
3 Representative in Congress; Population in 1830, 157,447. 

The Ninth General Assembly convened December i, 1834, 
and continued in session until the following Februarv 13. An 
extra session convened December 7, 1S35, adjourned the follow- 
nig January 18. This term might properly be called the "ad- 
ministration of internal improvement." Two days after the 
Legislature convened, Joseph Duncan took the oath of office. 

New State Bank. — The State was now in a prosperous 
condition. People were flocking to Illinois by hundreds; peace 
had been made with the Indians and the State could cash her 
indebtedness. Peace and prosperity reigned. The Legislature 
grew wild over the outcome. The Governor wanted a State 
bank; the members of the Legislature began thinking they did 
too, and before the honorable body adjourned ( 1836) another bank 
had been established without submitting the question to the peo- 
ple for discussion. This State bank was to be chartered with a 
•capital of $1,500,000 and shares sold principally to residents of 
the State. The privilege of increasing the capital $1,000,000, 
if deemed necessary, was also granted. Six branches were in- 
stituted and the old bank at Shawneetown again opened. 

Principal stock holders were, Godfrey, Gilman & Co. of Al- 
ton, the intended rival city of St. Louis; Thomas Mather, of Kas- 
kaskia; John Tillson, of Hillsboro, and Samuel Wiggins of 
Cincinnati. T. W- Smith also held shares and endeavored to 
capture the presidency of the institution but was defeated in his 
aspirations by the Alton firm, the partners having their shares 
sufficiently divided to hold the balance of power among the dif- 
ferent factions of stockholders, and Thomas Mather w^as chosen. 

Internal Improvements. — Alton, had early aspired 
to becoming the capital, but Sangamon County being represented, 
in particular, bv the famous *' Long Nine," (Abraham Lincoln, 
Ninian W. Edwards, etc.) and Springfield being a candidate, 
she was willing to give up the project in order to become the 
metropolis of the State. Great excitement prevailed and a spe- 
cial session of the Legislature was called. Heavy loans were 



172 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

made to Alton and in 1837 the city tried herself. She bought 
all the lead mines that the article might be shipped from her 
warehouses. The price of lead nearly doubled at first but it soon 
ran down and new lead was preferred to that stored in damp 
cellars, which finally sold at a discount. By Alton's wild specu- 
lation the State lost about $1,000,000. 

The Illinois & Michigan Canal question was once more 
sprung upon the people and after several attempts, a loan of 
$500,000, with the State for security, was arranged; in 1S36 
work was begun. Estimates were called for as to actual cost of 
the structure, which was placed at $4,043,336.50, while it was 
calculated that a railroad over the same line would cost but $1,- 
052,488.19. The channel was to be made forty feet wide at the 
bottom, and to hold sufficient water for the largest vessels to 
pass through ; thus making the structure of National importance 
as well as of State. This would naturally bring an extensive 
travel and thoroughly animate cities along the way, especially 
Chicago. 

Tenth General Assembly. — Arrangements had been 
made for a multitude of people at the capital and little Vandalia 
was indeed crowded. This Assembly, like the preceding, held 
two sessions: First from December 5, 1S36, to the following 
March 6; second, from July 10 to July 32. It was made up of 
such members as Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, James 
Shields, Augustus C. French, John Hardin, Ninian W. Ed- 
v^^ards, W. L. D. Ewing, John Dement, John Dougherty, John 
Whitesides, O. H. Browning and Cyrus Edwards. The Legis- 
lature grew wild on the question of internal improvement, as did 
the Internal Improvement Convention, and passed many resolu- 
tions they would not have thought of doing under more quiet 
circumstances. 

Internal Improvement Excitement. — Provisions 
w^ere made for railroads to be built from Galena to the mouth 
of the Ohio; from Alton to Shawneetown; from Alton to the 
east boundary of the State; from Qumcy through Springfield 
to Wabash River; from Peoria to Warsaw. The rivers Kas- 
kaskia. Little Wabash, Illinois and Rock were to be thoroughly 
dredged and perfectly fitted up for navigation. 



STATE PERIOD. • 173 

People began thinking they had committed a great error 
in not undertaking the matter before, and were impatient to 
see a general means of transportation in operation. Accord- 
ingly the work was at once begun, regardless of cost or 
without looking at the dark side of the undertaking. Boards of 
Commission were appointed and $12,000,000 appropriated by 
loan, which was but one-twentieth of the amount required for 
the improvements as then planned. The road built from Illi- 
nois River to Springfield alone cost $1,000,000, and when fin- 
ished was not worth to the people one-hundredth part of its cost. 
But few roads ever were completed. Work was ordered and 
begun at both ends, and at points where the lines crossed rivers, 
upon which material could be transported ; but only embank- 
ments remain to tell of the wild schemes of the people when 
Illinois began to assume its present standing in the civilized world. 

The State bank capital was now nicreased to $3,100,000 by 
making the State a stockholder, which was to have a larger por- 
tion of the stock, but the people to remam the majority of the 
stockholders. In the spring the United States suspended specie 
payment and the State did likewise. To protect the internal im- 
provement system, a special session was called as above stated ; 
but under the circumstances the system would not be protected, 
and the Legislature assisted to tear down plans already on foot. 

Mag'ic Cities. — Chicago. — The history of this great city 
properly begins with the construction of the canal. After Fort 
Dearborn massacre ( 1S12) the place was deserted save by two In- 
dian traders and several half-breeds. In this condition the settle- 
ment remained until in 1S16, when the fort was rebuilt; but the 
few people wha v^ere then added to the little colony did nothing 
toward laying the foundation of a future city, and in 1823 the 
United States troops abandoned Fort Dearborn, and the Govern- 
ment factory was sold and converted into a fur depot. Chi- 
cago was again of no importance. 

In 1S25 new houses were built and the number increased to 
fourteen; taxes paid amounted to $79.72; in 1830 the election 
returns of Chicago precinct of Peoria County showed but thirty- 
two votes polled, including territory within a twenty-mile radius, 
Chicago population numbered ninety-eight. Cook County was 



174 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

organized in March, 1S31, with Chicago the county seat, but 
even then it was far from being a town of any note. As Gen- 
eral Scott's vessels landed at its port in 1S32, the town became 
somewhat known abroad and the following year Congress ap- 
propriated $25,000 to dredge the river and remove a sand- 
bar from the mouth, that large ships might enter the harbor» 
By aid of a freshet in 1S34 ^^^^ work was completed. 

The year 1835 is said to have been one of the most remarka- 
ble in its growth, when the population sprung up, as if bv magic, 
from a few hundred to 3,265. At this time a number of towns 
were surveyed and incorporated. Speculation began on sale of 
lots. From June to December, 370,043 acres of land were sold 
in the northeast part ot the State, and mostly in the vicinity of 
Chicago. To accommodate the traveling public, old hotels were 
enlarged and new ones built and by 1S37 ^^^^ resident population 
had so increased that she ^vas ranked ^vith the cities. 

Other Cities were fast following in the wake of Chicago 
and the work already begun made people frantic throughout 
the entire State. Meetings were held in every county and reso- 
lutions passed upon the subject; an Improvement Convention 
was arranged to convene at the same time the Legislature as- 
sembled. Most counties responded to the call. 

Indians all Kemoved. — The Pottawatomies were the 
last to be removed from Illinois, They annually assembled at 
Chicago to receive their annuity of $30,000 in goods for lands 
previously sold. Frequent propositions were made by the Gov- 
ernment for a purchase of their remaining lands in the State, 
but the nation dearly loved their old hunting grounds and ear- 
nestly protested. In one conference Meta, their chief, said: 

" My father, you know that we first came to this country a 
long time ago, and when we sat ourselves down upon it, we 
met hardships and difiiculties. Our country was then very large 
but now it has dwindled to a small spot, and you wish to pur- 
chase that. This has caused us much reflection, and we bring all 
our chiefs and warriors, and families, to hear you. [Numbering 
in all 3,000 persons.] 

* * Our old people have all svmk into their 

graves; they had sense. We are all young and foolish and 



STATE PERIOD-. I 75 

would not do anything they could not approve, if livings We 
are fearful to offend their spirits if we sell their lands,, v^ e are 
fearful to offend you if we do not. We do not know how we 
can part with the land. 

" Our country was given to us by the Great Spirit, to hunt 
upon, to make corn-fields, live on,, and, when life is over, to 
spread down our beds upon, and lie down. That spirit would 
never forgive us if we sold it. When you first spoke to us at 
St. Marys we said we had a little land and sold you a piece 
But we told you we could spare no more; now, you ask us again. 
You are never satisfied. * * Take notice it is 

a small piece of land where we now live. It has been wasting 
away ever since the White people became our neighbors. We 
have now hardly enough to cover the bones of our tribe." 

After a conference of two weeks, in 1S36, they sold all their 
lands east of the Mississippi and were removed west of that 
stream soon after. In this transaction 5,600,000 acres were pur- 
chased and the last of the first known inhabitants of Illinois- 
removed from within her borders. 

Election. — In the fall election of 1838, a Legislature advo- 
cating internal improvement was chosen. The Democrats and 
Whigs each had a strong ticket in the field, the' former headed 
by Thomas Carlin for Governor and S. H. Anderson, Lieuten- 
ant-Governor; the latter, by Cyrus Edwards for Governor 
and W. H. Davidson, Lieutenant-Governor. The question of 
internal improvement was favored by the Whigs but the Demo- 
cratic candidates failed to define their exact position and were 
elected by a large majority. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Joseph Duncan, fifth Governor of Illinois, was born at 
Paris, Kentucky, February 23, 1794. He early displayed a mil- 
itary talent and took an active part iiu the War of 18 12, in the 
Black Hawk War and in several other Indian difficulties. His ed- 
ucation was meager but his natural abilities were great. He 
was a good General and his services in this position were in- 
valuable; as a statesman, he was brilliant; as a Governor, firm.. 
He died at Jacksonville, Florida, January 15, 1S44. 



176 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

CARLIN'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1838-1842. 



Governor, .... Thomas Carlin. 

Lieutenant-Governor, ... Stinson H. Anderson, 

o f o. ^ \ 18^8-40, - - Alexander P. Field. 

Secretary of State, | ^340-42, - - Stephen A. Douglas. 

A j-4. \ 1835-4^5 - - - Levi Davis. 

Auditor, I J 84 1-43, - - - James Shields. 

Tvensnrer i ^§36-41, - - - John D. Whitesides. 

iieasuiei, | ^g^^ ^^ _ _ _ Milton Carpenter. 

. ^ , ( to 1S40, - - Geo, W. Olnev. 

Attorney-General, I f^.^^^^ « . . Josiah Lamborn. 

o , r i nth House, - - W. L. D. Ewing. 

Speaker of | ^^^j^ u . . u 

i E.L., 1837-43, - Richard M. Young. 
United States Senators, -j (1835-41, John M. Robinson, 

i ' *' I 1S41-43, Samuel McRoberts. 
3 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1840, 404,000. 

The Eleventh General Assembly convened December 3, 
183S, and continued in session until the following March 4, An 
extra session was called which met in the new capitol, Decem- 
ber 8, 1839, ^^^^ adjourned the following February 3. 

River IiniJroveinent. — The retiring Governor advocated 
the relinquishing of the improvement system but Governor Car- 
lin spoke only against its too extensive application, saj-ing, " Un- 
der the present mode of proceedings, however, nearly $2,000,- 
000 have [alread}'] been expended and whatever diversity of 
opinion may now exist as to the expediency of the system as 
originally projected, all must admit that the character and credit 
of the State forbid its abandonment." But the Legislature made 
other appropriations, Illinois Ri\ er was to be improved to Ot- 
tawa; $20,000 were appropriated for the Embarras River, and 
the same amount for the Big Muddy; besides, others more insig- 
nificant received their share of attention. 

Railroads. — Early History. — The first reference made 
in our records to the construction of a railroad in Illinois was that 
of January 27, 1831, when the Legislature passed an act to con- 
struct a railroad or canal from the Mississippi bluffs across the 



STATE PERIOD. I 77 

American Bottom to the present East St. Louis. In December, 
1S32, the Legislature incorporated the Springfield & Alton 
Turnpike Road Company "to transport, take and carry property 
and persons upon the same [road] by the power and force of 
steam, of animals, or of any mechanical or other power, or of 
any combination of them which the said company may choose to 
employ." At the same session the Rushville & Beardstown 
Turnpike Road Company was also incorporated and in the fall 
of 1S34 ^^^^ Chicago & Vincennes Railroad Company. 

In his adj:lress to this Legislature Governor Duncan said, " Of 
the different plans proposed experience has shown [that] canals 
to be much more useful and generally cheaper of construction 
than railroads; they recpiire less expensive repairs and are contin- 
ually improving, and will last forever, while railroads are kept 
in repair at a very heavy expense, and will last but about fifteen 
years." The first road was built over the American Bottom and 
the cars were drawn by animals. The rails were made of sawed 
scantling upon which straps of iron were nailed. 

The First Engine used in the State for drawing cars was 
run eight miles east from Meredosia toward Springfield, No- 
vember 8, 1 838, and was celebrated as a novel event. 

Springfield the Capital. — A bill for removing the 
capital came before the Legislature in 1838; but, this assembly 
being comjDOsed of policy members, to bring about certain im- 
provements, it became a difficult question, calling out many and 
long debates in favor of different localities. 

The first ballot stood as follows: Springfield 35, Vandalia 
16, Alton 15, Jacksonville 15, Illiopolis 6, Decatur 4, Carrollton 
3, Bloomington 2, Mt. Carmel 2, Paris, Palestine, Grafton, 
Shawneetown, Pittsfield, Kaskaskia, Shelbyville, Hillsboro and 
Caledonia, each i. 

The fourth and last ballot was, Springfield 63, Vandalia 16, 
Jacksonville 11, Peoria 8, Alton 6, Illiopolis 3, Hillsboro, Cale- 
donia, Grafton, Essex, Bloomington and Shawneetown, each i. 

In 1839 ^ new State house was completed and all records 
were removed to Springfield where the Legislature first con- 
vened December 9, 1839. This building stands in the center of 
the city and is now used as the Sangamon County court house. 



178 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Governor-Senate Contest. — A bitter party contest 

arose, in this administration, regarding the appointment of a 
Secretary of State, Alexander P. Field had been filling this 
position since his appointment by Governor Edwards; as he was 
not deemed the best man for the office, also being a Whig, Gov- 
ernor Caidin desired his removal and claimed his power to ap- 
point a new Secretary. In this he made a number of attempts 
but the Senate rejected all and he was doomed to disappoint- 
ment. When the Legislature adjourned he again appointed Mr. 
McClernand, who demanded the office but was reiused. He 
brought the matter into court where it was decided against him, 
as the Supreme Court was made up of Wilson and Lockwood, 
Whigs, and Smith and Brown, Democrats — the latter, being a 
relative to McClernand, declined to vote. The Democrats now 
set about to change matters, by which, in the next election, they 
secured a majority of their party for the Legislature and thus 
placed in office a man of their choice, Stephen A. Douglas. 

In 1S35 Circuit Courts were re-established and were presided 
over by five Judges. These courts were entirely abolished, dur- 
ing this administration and the Judges added to the Supreme 
Bench, giving Democrats a majority. 

Arrang'ecl Duels. — Hardix-Dodge. — Partisan feeling 
was so intense at this time that many bitter quarrels arose that 
threatened to end in duels. The most prominent of these were 
disputes over the additional Judges and between parties holding 
opposite views on the slavery question, Hon, J. J. Hardin 
and Hon. A. R. Dodge, of Peoria, thought they could not get 
along together without resorting to a duel, but the matter was 
happily arrested by friends. 

Smith-McClerxand. — The same year ( 1840) in making a 
speech against the Supreme Judges, John A. McClernand, who 
yet resides in Sangamon County, referred to the alien decision, 
on the part of Whig Judges, in such a manner as to excite a rep- 
rimand from Theopholus W. Smith, then one of the Judges. 
The matter was thoroughly investigated when it was found that 
McClernand was getting too close upon facts and the difficulty 
merged into a personal quarrel. A letter was sent which Mc- 
Clernand received as a challenge, and accepted it as such, naming 



STATE PERIOD. 



179 



Missouri as the place of combat, the weapons to be rifles and 
the parties to stand at a distance of forty paces. The civil au- 
thorities getting hold of the matter, a warrant was issued for the 
arrest of Smith which ended the quarrel. 

Lincoi.x-Shields. — Another quarrel took place in 1842 
which figured more prominently than either of the other two. 
Times grew very dull and people could scarcely pay their debts; 
the only money in circulation was so depreciated in value that it 
took two dollars to amount to the value of one in specie, while 
the law of 1S37 permitted the authorities to collect taxes in specie 
or its equivalent. Accordingly Governor Carlin, Auditor Shields 
and Treasurer Carpenter ordered collectors to collect as above 
privileged. A clamor of dissatisfaction was raised and the col- 
lection of taxes was ordered postponed until the next Legis- 
lature convened. 

September 2, an article was written to the " Sangamo Journal " 
by Abraham Lincoln, entitled " The Lost Township, August 
27 "and signed "Rebecca" — an article containing language that 
]Mr. Lincoln would not have thought of using in later vears — in 
which the State authorities were sneeringly attacked and their 
actions denounced as absurd, e\en going so far as to dub one a 
conceited dunce, who was caricatured in such a manner that all 
believed the reference was to James Shields, and which that 
gentleman took upon himself. Mr. Shields demanded the name 
of the author of the article, and upon receiving the desired in- 
formation, in company with General Whitesides, he departed 
for Tremont, Tazewell County, w^here Mr. Lincoln was attend- 
ing court. 

Short notes were sent between them which resulted in the 
choosing of seconds. Mr. Lincoln, however instructed his friend, 
Dr. Merriman, whom he had named as his second, that in case 
it were possible to adjust the affair amicably he would offer the 
following for publication: 

" I did write the ' Lost Township ' letter which appeared in 
the 'Journal' of the 2d inst., but had no participation, in any 
form, in any other article alluding to you. I wrote that whole 
for political effect. I had no intention of injuring your personal 
or private character or standing as a man or gentleman; and I 



I So HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

did not then think, that that article could produce or has pro- 
duced that effect against you ; and had I anticipated such an ef- 
fect would have forborne to write it. And I will add that your 
conduct towards me, so far as I know had always been gentle- 
manly ; and that I had no personal pique against yo'i, and no 
cause for any.'' 

His instructions to Dr. Merriman were that if a compromise 
should be effected he would leave it with his judgment as to 
how much of the above should be published, otherwise the pre- 
liminaries of the fight should be: 

1. Weapons — Cavalry broad swords of the largest size, pre- 
cisely equal in all I'espects and as are now used by the cavalry 
company at Jacksonville. 

2. Position — A plank ten feet long, and from nine to twelve 
inches broad, to be firmly fixed on edge, on the ground, as the 
line between us which neither is to pass his foot over on forfeit 
of his life. Next a line drawn on the ground on either side of 
said plank, and parallel with it, each at the distance of the whole 
length of the sword and three feet additional from the plank; 
and the passing of his own such line by either party during the 
fight, shall be deemed a surrender of the contest. 

3. Time — On Thursday evening at five o'clock, if you can 
get it so ; but in no case to be at a greater distance than Friday 
evening at five o'clock. 

4. Place — Within three miles of Alton, on the opposite side 
of the river, the particular spot to be agreed on by you. 

Any preliminary details coming within the above rules, you 
are at liberty to make at your discretion, but you are in no case 
to swerve from these rules or pass beyond their limits." 

The parties had all crossed the river and weapons were at hand 
when General Hardin and Dr. English succeeded in compromis- 
ing the affair. 

Butler-Shields. — William Butler, a friend of Mr. Lincoln, 
then took up the quarrel and continued to annoy Mr. Shields, 
when he, too, received a challenge to fight with rifles, at sunrise, 
one mile north of the State house. As the answer did not come 
until late at night, the matter was dropped. 

Whitesides and Merriman now quarreled about the affair 



STATE PERIOD. l8l 

and challenges were interchanged. However this was termi- 
nated bv the parties not agreeing upon a location ; one desired 
St. Louis and the other Louisiana, Missouri. 

Arrival of Mormons. — A religious sect known as Mor- 
mons, sometimes called Latter Day Saints, arrived on the east 
bank of Mississippi River in the present Hancock County, in 
1S39-40, and erected a town which they named Nauvoo. Be- 
cause of depredations and selfishness for their own people, and 
because of the practice of polvgamv they had been driven from 
Alissouri where they settled at an earlier day (See Smith's bi- 
ographv. Ford's administration). A special charter was granted 
by the Legislature in 1S40, giving them special privileges in 
government. 

While in Missouri they voted with the Democratic party, 
though afterward persecuted by them — opposed b}- a Demo- 
cratic Governor and denied protection by a Democratic Presi- 
dent of the LTnited States. On coming to Illinois, they allied 
themselves with the Whigs, then striving for power and whose 
growing strength and proffered sympathy had induced them to 
recross the river rather than go farther west. 

The city was organized in 1S41 with Prophet Joseph Smith 
as Mayor. They w^ere allowed a militia to act independent of 
the State militia, and in short they were treated as a persecuted 
people who deserved sympathy. The same year the Governor of 
Missouri demanded the arrest of Smith, but he was shielded in 
various ways and not delivered to that State. Afterward a 
Nauvoo ordinance was passed that protected its citizens from ar- 
rest and which the State was bound to respect. Before the close 
of this administration, however, they allied themselves again 
with the Democrats, the party most likely to win, and from 
whom they craved protection. In consequence attention was 
directed to their customs by the Whigs and from this forward 
their stay in Illinois was far from peaceful. 

A Crash. — The visionary enterprise of internal improve- 
ment, voted for by brilliant men, kept the State in constant 
excitement for four years, when it fell with a crash, causing 
financial depression and leaving the State in debt about $15,000,- 
000, with but a meagre recompense. In February, 1S42, the 



iSz HISTORV OF ILLINOIS. 

State bank went down and others soon followed. Statesmen 
knew a crisis was coming yet they were devoting more attention 
to National politics than State interests; and from the election of 
1840 to the present, National politics have drawn the party lines. 

Through this unwise and imprudent statesmanship the State 
became financially embarrassed; hard times set in; people could 
not pay their debts, nor could they buy, as the long and expen- 
sive transportation to an ordinary market required almost the 
value of their produce. 

Colleg'es, by the close of this administration, were in active 
operation in different localities. A Presbyterian college was es- 
tablished at Jacksonville; Shurtleff, at Alton by Baptists; Mc- 
Kendree, at Lebanon by Methodists; a nunnerv, at Kaskaskia 
by Catholics; a seminary, at Mount Morris by Methodists; also 
Knox College, at Galesburg, and one at Macomb were doing 
telling work. 

Tlie Election, in 1S42, for State officers was close and 
party lines for the second time in the history of the State were 
closely drawn. The Democrats nominated for Governor, Thomas 
Ford; Lieutenant-Governor, John Moore. The Whig candi- 
date for Governor was ex-Governor Joseph Duncan; for Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, W. H. Henderson. The former candidates 
were successful. 

STORY. 

Murder of LiOvejOy. — For many years the slavery ques- 
tion was more or less agitated in Illinois. Rev. Elijah P. Love- 
joy started a religious paper in St. Louis in the interest of the 
Presbyterian church; but in it he strongly denounced slavery and, 
as it was feared that the press would be destroyed, it was re- 
moved to Alton in 1S36, and the name changed to Alton "Ob- 
server." Here he became a firm Abolitionist and because of his 
uncompromising sentiments which he expressed in the strongest 
possible language he became a victim of mob violence and at 
four different times his press was entirely destroyed. Parties 
threatened to tar and feather him, but he fearlessly continued his 
publications. 

The Alton authorities ordered him to discontinue his paper 



STATE PERIOD. 183 

that peace might be restored, as his sympathizers were fewer 
than his enemies and even the pulpit began denoucing him for 
his war-Hke spirit, but he faltered not in a work he believed him- 
self called upon to perform. Meetings were called in which his 
presence was requested and where the situation was discussed 
with much bitterness. In a volume compiled by Rev. Edward 
Beecher, brother of the Brooklyn divine, is found a lengthy dis- 
cussion between the State Attorney-General and Mr. Lovejoy. 

A fourth press was ordered and arrived by boat, November 
7, 1837. The following is given by Mr. Tanner, a friend to 
Mr. Lovejoy and an eye-witness of the evening riot of this day: 
■ " The fourth press had been shipped to Alton from Cincinnati, 
and had been received in the dead of the night, in presence of 
the Mayor, and taken to its final destination. We were fully 
prepared to receive and defend it, having, in the building, about 
sixty men, well armed and drilled, stationed on different floors in 
squads or companies of sufhcient sti^ength to do full execution if 
the mob should attempt to take the press when landed. 

" All was quiet in the city and we considered the press free 
from harm, as it lay on storage with the most responsible and 
most respected firms in the city. As night approached we gath- 
ered in the building to talk over the situation, and congratulated 
each other on peace. About nine o'clock the company of men 
began to disperse to their homes,' when Mr. Gillman asked if 
some few of the number would not volunteer to remain through 
the night with him, for he intended staying, as a precaution in 
case the warehouse was attacked. Nineteen men answered the 
call, and the devoted little band prepared themselves for what- 
ever might occur. An hour elapsed before any signs of disturb- 
ance were noticed, but then it was evident that a mob was gath- 
ering. Messrs. Keating & West asked permission to enter the 
building to confer with Mr. Gillman, and being admitted, in- 
formed us that unless the press was given up the building would 
be burned over our heads. We had, early in the evening, se- 
lected for our Captain, Enoch Long, who had seen some serv- 
ice, thinking that occasion might require concerted action on our 
part. His method of defense was much milder than some of us 
advocated, for we considered it best to fire on the mob and make 



1 84 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

short work of it; but he commanded that no one should shoot 
without his order, an order w'hich, from mistaken motives of 
mercy, he hesitated to give until it was too late to intimidate the 
besiegers. 

" The crowd gathered and attempted to force an entrance, but 
were temporarily checked in consequence of the order of our 
Captain to one of his men to fire upon them in return for their 
shot, which had entered the building. Our shot proved fatal, 
killing one of the mob, whose name was Bishop. The lull was 
short; the mob returned, re-enforced by ruffians who had been 
drinking, and with savage yells they shouted that they would 
' fire the building and shoot every d — d Abolitionist as he tried 
to escape!' No orders were given for concentrated fire at any 
time; it was all hap-hazard, and every man did as he thought 
best. At this juncture the Mayor appeared, and we asked him 
to lead us out to face the mob, and, if they would not disperse 
upon his command, that he should order us to fire upon them. 
His answer was, that he had too much regard for our lives to do 
that, but at the same time he most distinctly justified us in our 
defense. He attempted, afterward, to disperse them himself, but 
his power was gone — they merely laughed at his authority, as 
his weak and nervous treatment of them on former occasions had 
destroyed all his influence as a magistrate. 

" Attempts were now made to fire the building, and against 
one side, in which there were no openings, a ladder was placed 
to reach the roof, on which a man ascended with a burning 
torch. Captain Long called for volunteers to make a sortie, in 
order to prevent the accomplishment of their purpose, and Amos 
B. Roff, Royal Weller and Elijah P. Lovejoy promptly stepped 
forth to execute his order. As they emerged from the building 
shots were fired from behind a shelter, and five balls were 
lodged in the body of Mr. Lovejoy, others wounding Air. Roff 
and Mr. Weller. Mr. Lovejoy had strength enough to run back 
and up the stairs, crying out as he went, 'I am shot! I am shot! 
I am dead!' When he reached the counting-room, he fell back 
into the arms of a bystander, and was laid upon the floor where 
he instantly passed away without a struggle and without speak- 
ing: £1 word." 



STATE PERIOD. 185 

The press was then destroyed and thrown into the river while 
its defenders were allowed to retire unmolested. The building 
had been set on fire but the flames were extinguished without 
much damage. A beautiful monument now marks the i^esting 
place of Mr. Lovejoy. 

BIOGRAPHICAI<. 

Thomas Carlin, the sixth Governor of Illinois, was born, 
as most of his predecessors in office, in Kentucky, July iS, 17S9, 
His parents were Irish and his early education was neglected; 
but in after years he read much and became well versed in polit- 
ical affairs. He was a brave officer in the Black Hawk war, 
commanding a spy brigade. In 1S34 he was appointed to re- 
ceive public money at Quincy. After serving his term as Gov- 
ernor he removed to his old home at Carrollton, where he died 
February 14, 1852, having moved to that place in 1825 from 
the bank of the Mississippi opposite the mouth of the Missouri. 



FORD'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1842-1846. 



Governor, .... Thomas Ford. 

Lieutenant-Governor, - . . . John Moore. 

Secretarv of State i ^^42-43» " " Lyman Trumbull. 

^5ecietai> of btate, | 1843-46, - - Thomas Campbell. 

Auditor, \ ^^41-43, - - - ,, J?"^^^ Shields. 

' (1843-46, - - W.L. D. Ewmg. 

Treasurer, .... Milton Carpenter. 

Attornev-General i ^° ^^^^' ' ' Josiah Lamborn. 

•^ ' I from " - - James A. McDougall. 

q , r \ 13th House, - - Samuel Hackelton. 

:5peakei 01 | ^^^j^ ^^ _ _ ^^ ^ Richardson. 

i E.L., 1843-49, - Sidney Breese. 

United States Senators, -j j 1 84 1-43, Samuel McRoberts. 

( ' '' ( 1843-47, Jame? Semple. 

7 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1845, 528,000. 

The Thirteenth General Assembly convened December 5, 
1842, and adjourned March 6, 1843. But few important ques- 
tions were acted upon save peaceful measures in the promotion 



1 86 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of the welfare of the people. As the greater portion of the in- 
habitants were from the older States, Eastern customs began to 
predominate. The State was deeply in debt and on the verge of 
Mormon trouble when the new Governor came into office and to 
this he devoted most of his attention. 

MORMON WAR. 

First Arrest of Smith. — Early in 1843 a Missouri Con- 
stable appeared before Governor Ford with an indictment against 
Joseph Smith, the Mormon leader and a pretended prophet, for 
a conspiracy to murder Governor Boggs of that State. A per- 
mit for his arrest being granted by our Governor, a Constable 
of Hancock County in company with the Missouri officer pro- 
ceeded to Nauvoo to take in custody the " Prophet," but on learn- 
ing that he was on a visit near Rock River, proceeded thither 
and served their papers. 

Before they succeeded in getting him out of the State, they 
were overtaken by a party of Mormons who overpowered them 
and rescued him. This transaction aroused the State authorities 
who issued a new writ for his arrest, but when the case was 
brought before Judge Pope, a Whig, he was released presuma- 
bly on party principles. This release led the Mormons to be- 
lieve they were to be favored thereafter and as their member- 
ship in Illinois alone now numbered 16,000, they became offen- 
sive to their neighbors. 

Smith a Presidential Candidate. — As the State had 

permitted Nauvoo to act independent of the regular Government 
and no apparent authority manifest, the Nauvoo bigots were still 
more inflated with confidence. In 1844 Joseph Smith announc- 
ed himself a candidate for the Presidency of the United States, 
subject to the vote of the people. His followers believed that 
he would meet with success and preached their faith in various 
parts of the country. 

IVauvoo Hiot. — As Smith became more tyrannical in his 
precepts and revelations, dissensions arose in their own ranks. 
He claimed a doctrine had been revealed to him on one occasion, 
which held that a woman could not get to Heaven unless she 
were a wife or a concubine of an elder of her choice. An at- 



STATE PERIOD. 187 

tempt was then made by him to take the wife of WilHam Law, 
one of the leading Mormons, who bitterly fought the practice. 
Law not only censured Smith but procured a printing press and 
issued a paper among the brethren denouncing the matter. 
Only one issue was circulated, however, before the press and of- 
fice were completely demolished. From this time it was dan- 
gerous for William Law, his brother and one or two others to 
remain in Nauvoo and they fled to the neighboi-ing town of 
Carthage, where a writ was issued for the arrest of the destroy- 
ers of the office under the charge of riot. This exposure of 
Nauvoo life followed by mob violence helped to arouse a feeling 
of indignation among the people. Living in a country that 
boasted of its liberty they claimed a free press to be one of the 
constituents of a good government. 

When the news reached Nauvoo that complaint had been 
made against the elders, a committee was dispatched to Carthage 
to explain the matter and make right the wrong if possible. On 
close questioning it was ascertained that the reports circulated 
throughout the country in many cases were true and that the 
"Latter Day Saints " were caring more for present pleasures 
than future salvation. It was also learned that kidnapers had 
been sent into Missouri to capture persons who would be likely 
to prove strong witnesses against Smith and a few of his elders, 
should they ever be brought to justice. 

The Governor's Iiivestig-ation. — The Governor 

made Carthage a visit to ascertain the truth concerning the dif- 
ficulties and learn what he could of the condition of affairs. He 
found the citizens in arms throughout the adjoining counties, 
ready to expel this independent sect if necessary ; meetings were 
being held, where stringent resolutions were passed. In one at 
Warsaw the citizens resolved to exterminate or otherwise rid the 
State of the entire Mornion population. But all did not join in 
this rigid movement; a few believed in peace and hoped to es- 
tablish it even with these people. This third element was called 
"Jack Mormons," an appellation received by them with indig- 
nation. The Governor tells the following: 

"On the morning before my arrival at Carthage, I was awak- 
ened at an early hour by the frightful report, which was asserted 



l88 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

with confidence and apparent consternation, that the Mormons 
had ah-eady commenced the work of burning, destruction and 
murder; and that every man capable of bearing arms was in- 
stantly wanted at Carthage for the protection of the country.. 
We lost no time in starting, but when we arrived at Carthage 
we could hear no more concerning the story. Again, during 
the few days that militia were encamped at Carthage, frequent 
applications were made to me to send a force here and a force 
there, and a force all about the country, to prevent murders,, 
robberies and larcenies, which, it was said, were threatened by 
Mormons. No such forces were sent; nor were any such of- 
fenses committed at that time, except the stealing of some pro- 
visions, and there was never the least proof that this was done 
by a Mormon. Again, on my late visit to Hancock county I 
was informed by some of their violent enemies, that the larce- 
nies of the Mormons had become unusually numerous and insuf- 
ferable. They indeed admitted that but little had been done in 
this way in their immediate vicinity. But they insisted that six- 
teen horses had been stolen by Mormons in one night, near Lima,, 
in the county of Adams. At the close of the expedition, I called 
at this same town of Lima, and upon inquiry was told that nO' 
horses had been stolen in that neighborhood, but that sixteen 
horses had been stolen in one night in Hancock County. This 
last informant being told of the Hancock story, again changed 
the venue to another distant settlement in the northern edge of 
Adams." 

Second Arrest of Slllitll. — Shortly after the Govern- 
or's visit martial law was inaugurated at Nauvoo, under the di- 
rection of the leader, Joseph Smith. All members of the sect 
assembled imder arms, and no one was allowed to pass in or out 
of the town without a permit. The Governor now issued an 
order that if Nauvoo would surrender she should be protected,, 
but if not the whole force of the State should be called out 
against her if necessary. The Constable, with ten men, was 
sent to conduct those charged with riot to Carthage. Upon his 
arrival at Nauvoo, he found the parties professedly willing to^ 
go with him, but they requested that they might be allowed tO' 
await the next day, stating that at eight o'clock they would be: 



STATE PERIOD. 189 

before the Carthage Justice. 

The morning dawned, but no one came; eight o'clock arrived, 
and vet no Mormons responded to the summons, when it was 
given up that they had promised, to get rid of the officers. An- 
other summons was sent them and with it an order to surrender 
the State arms which had been entrusted to them, but of which 
they had proved themselves unworthy. In obedience, Joe 
Smith, his brother Hiram, and members of the Nauvoo Council 
appeared at Carthage and were tried for riot. They were bound 
over to Court by a Justice and discharged to appear at Circuit 
Court. 

liOClg'ed ill Jail. — Before the Smiths could leave Carth- 
age a second writ was issued for their arrest and they were 
thrown into jail. This building was constructed of thick stone 
walls, and was divided into three departments: one with small 
cells well barred and secured; another with commodious rooms 
and better furnished; while the third was occupied by the jailer 
and his familv- 

Tlie Governor in NailVOO. — When the Smiths were 
thrown into prison the .cry of the people was for an examination 
of Nauvoo in search of apparatus with which counterfeit money 
could be manufactured, as it was believed that a large portion 
then in circulation came from that place. An expedition pub- 
licly known was not deemed expedient, but the Governor de- 
cided to visit the place under a different pretext; namely, to talk 
to the inhabitants. Accompanied by an escort of dragoons, he 
made his visit, addressed the people, and called for a vote from 
those assembled as to whether they would support the laws of 
the State or their leader if the matter came to a test. It was 
carried unanimously in favor of the laws. It not being deemed 
best to make any further examination, the party departed for 
Carthage. 

Joe Smith Assassinated. — Trouble was imminent in 
the vicinity of Carthage. Before leaving for Nauvoo Mr. Ford 
placed a strong guard over the Mormon prisoners under the 
command of General Demming, instructing him and his men to 
defend the prisoners even at the peril of their own lives. 

The troops lately discharged were from the vicinity of the 



190 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



difficulties and, instead of returning to their homes as directed, 
arranged for mob violence. Eight guards were left at the jail 
while General Demming and his men encamped upon the public 
square. The troops deserted him almost in a body, and the 
General was soon helpless in the midst of a furious mob of en- 
raged people; besides, most of the troops remaining with him 
and all the guard had joined the conspirators. 

On the afternoon of the 27th of June, 1845, a black spot was 
placed upon Carthage history that never can be erased. Here 
a group of men engaged in deep and mysterious conversation; 
there an individual hurrying from place to place as if on impor- 
tant business, while on close scrutiny others could be seen creep- 
ing along under cover of fences, hedges or bushes, and culmi- 
nating near the jail. At about five o'clock the fence around the 
building was scaled by 150 masked men who were fired upon 
by the guard with muskets loaded with blank cartridges — a part 
of the pre-arranged plot. They at once proceeded to break 
open the door but found it securely held by parties within. Re- 
treating a few paces they took deliberate aim and, at a given 
signal, the door was completely riddled- with bullets. A thud 
and moan were heard from within. Hiram Smith and Messrs. 
Taylor and Richards, two friends on a visit, were killed. The 
door then being easily forced open, the way remained clear to 
seize the " Prophet," who had secreted himself under the bed. 
He had been provided with a six-barreled revolver and at once 
opened fire upon his assailants, wounding three of them. Hav- 
ing discharged the contents of his weapon, he tried to escape by 
jumping from the window; but was discovered by his watchful 
foe and, with his body pierced by many balls, expired before 
the cloud of smoke had lifted. Thus perished the founder of 
the Mormon church which is yet giving the people of the United 
States so much concern. 

Effect. — About dusk when the Governor, with his escort, 
had proceeded a distance of two miles on his return from Nauvoo, 
he was met by two messengers who told him of what had be- 
fallen the " Prophet." Hastening to Carthage he found the 
story too true. The people were preparing to leave the town, 
fearing an attack from Nauvoo, and the Governor departed for 



STATE PERIOD. I9I 

Quincy to hold himself in readiness to raise an army if necessary 
and at the same time be out of immediate danger to himself. 

But all were surprised at the result, for the entire Mormon 
population went into a season of mournmg and did not offer to 
avenge the deed. Instead of the cause of Mormonism being 
weakened by the death of the "Prophet" the membership was 
greatly increased. His injunctions pronounced before his de- 
parture from Nauvoo and his dying words, "O Lord, my God," 
remained with his people and they pronounced him a martyr 
equal in humility to Christ. The story spread that he had died 
without a moan and without resistance ; that he had arisen from 
the dead ; that he had been seen to ride across the heavens on a 
great white horse while the brightest of flames of fire descended 
and rested upon his head, at sight of which his murderers were 
dumfounded and could not move. Elders were sent all over the 
United States and to Europe to preach the cause of the dead 
"saint," and the population was claimed to have reached 200,000; 
yet not one-tenth of that number were ever in Nauvoo at any 
one time. 

Mormons Driven from Illinois. — After the death of 

Joseph Smith the two parties remained comparatively quiet until 
in 1845, when the bitter rivalry was kindled afresh, causing the 
Mormons to seriously ponder over the propriety of journeying 
farther westward where they could worship unmolested, and 
their religion would be allowed to thrive. In the fall of 1S45, 
as they were on the verge of departing, conventions were held 
in the adjoining counties by the anti-Mormons and measures 
were adopted by which the " saints " were to depart for the 
West in the spring. Most of their possessions were purchased. 
For transportation 14,000 wagons, mostly from the timber of 
which the temple and other structures had been built, were 
manufactured. During the winter indictments against many of 
the " apostles," were instituted, principally for handling coun- 
terfeit moncN . In consequence of which and fearing an imme- 
diate arrest, the more fearful crossed the Mississippi while it 
was yet frozen over, and in early spring a long train was started 
on its westward journey. About 1,000 could not find pur- 
chasers for their property, and thus remained for the time being. 



193 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Many persons from other States had purchased the property of 
those ah-eady gone and, not knowing the condition of affairs in 
the neighborhood, settled in the midst of this strange people 
surrounded by hostile parties. 

In September, 1S46, a writ was issued for the arrest of several 
Mormons, unprovoked perhaps, and put into the hands of John 
Carlin to execute; but the pusillanimous officer called together a 
posse of men and attempted the matter in a cowardly manner. 
An engagement took place in which several parties were killed 
on both sides. 

It was finally decided that these people should leave Nauvoo 
immediately, and then the unmerciful Brockman was not 
satisfied, but with Soo men and fully as many spectators entered 
the city, forcing even the helpless to leave on a few hours notice. 
This was in a sickly season and scores perished before they had 
journeyed fifty miles from their once comfortable abode. Be- 
sides this several new-comers had been driven from their homes 
and were not permitted to return until a force of State militia 
ajopeared upon the scene. A company of 350 of these troops 
were kept in the neighborhuod until the following December. 
/For early history of Mormons see biography of Joseph Smith). 



Election. — Six candidates for Governor were placed before 
the Democratic convention that met at Springfield in February, 
1S46: Lyman Trumbull, John Calhoun, Augustus French, A. 
W. Cavarly, Richard M. Young and Walter B. Scates. The 
contest lay between the two former who, being nearly a tie, 
were both withdrawn and the majority of ballots were then cast 
for Augustus C. French. The contest for Lieutenant-Governor 
was likewise warm and terminated in the nomination of J. B. 
Wells. 

The Whigs, being in a minority, at first declined holding a 
convention, but it was regarded as a complete failure not to bring 
out candidates, while the national party greatly desired that they 
should hold a convention and place men in the field. This was 
done on the Sth of June at Peoria, the choice falling upon 
Thomas M. Kilpatrick of Scott County and Nathaniel G. Wil- 



STATE PERIOD. I93 

COX of Schuyler. 

In the canipaign the Whigs did all in their power to injure 
French by bringing up his record during the Internal Improve- 
ment war, but the election in August stood 58,700 to 36,775 in 
his favor. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Thomas Ford, seventh Governor of Illinois, was born in 
Pennsylvania in iSoo. He was a half brother to George Far- 
quer, whose father died in 1791. After his death the mother 
married Robert Ford, a man of considerable importance, who 
was killed in the mountains by robbers. In 1803 Mrs. Ford, 
with her children, departed for St. Louis to enter land in the 
Spanish domain ; but on finding the price higher than she antici- 
pated, settled in Illinois. 

Thomas was brilliant when but a boy. He gained distinction 
as a lawyer and finally became Judge of the Supreme Court. 
After serving his term as Governor, he moved to Peoria w^here 
he wrote a history of Illinois from x8i8 to 1847, but did not live 
to see it published ; this was attended to by his friend, James 
Shields. He died November 2, 1850. 

Josei>ll Smith, the founder of the Mormon religion, was 
born in Sharon, Vermont, on the 23d of December, 1S05, of 
humble parentage. Smith claimed, that when he was but four- 
teen 3'ears old he began to reflect upon the importance of a prep- 
aration for the future state. He went from one denomination to 
another, but in none could he find a religion that satisfied him ; 
yet all claimed to be on the right track. He then withdrew to 
secret places and engaged earnestly in prayer. On one occasion 
fiear Palmyra, New York, a bright light from above approached 
him. He, as other prophets, at first became frightened, but soon 
ascertained that no harm was intended him and listened atten- 
tively to a voice which told him that his sins were forgiven and 
his prayers heard; that the covenant which God had made with 
ancient Israel was about to be fulfilled ; that the time was at 
hand for the gospel to be preached in its power and fullness to 
all nations, and that he was chosen to be an instrument in the 



194 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

hands of God to assist in bringing about the divine purpose in 
this glorious dispensation; that the American Indians were a 
remnant of the tribe of Israel and had given up their religion 
many years previous; that the records that had been kept by man 
were all destroyed, but that God had preserved a comjolete his- 
torv, engraved by his faithful follower, Mormon, upon plates of 
gold; that these were buried in the ground along the highway 
between ^Manchester and Palmyra, about three miles from the 
former. He proceeded to secure these accounts and found them 
enclosed in a case of stone. These gold plates were thin, fast- 
ened together with rings and resembled a book. While here an 
angel appeared to him and directed his sight, when he beheld 
the devil with a large army of demons. 

The news of his claims to discovery got abroad and, in order 
to escape the mobs, he was compelled to move to Pennsylvania, 
where bv divine inspiration he translated the characters, resem- 
bling Egyptian hieroglyphics, and published what has ever 
since been known as the Book of Mormon. It was not difficult 
to find followers and soon a number began preaching the gospel, 
claiming to have seen the plates. Governor Ford in his history 
says: " The story is remarkably well gotten up, and may yet 
unhappilv make the foundation of a religion which may roll 
back upon the world the barbarism of eighteen centuries passed 
away. Whilst there are fools and knaves, there is no telling 
what may be accomplished by such a religion." 

The first church was founded at Manchester, April 6, 1S30, 
by Smith and his followers. In 1S33, with many new additions, 
the sect moved to Jackson County, ISIissouri, where they became 
very impudent, claiming the State was theirs and for that matter 
the world, they being saints. They laid the foundation of Inde- 
pendence, a few miles east of Kansas City, and another band 
established themselves at Kirtland near Cleveland, Ohio, where 
Smith made his home and where he established a bank which 
broke in a few years, leaving the people who had deposited 
with him in destitute circumstances. They then decided to 
leave Ohio and assembled in Missouri where they built the city 
of " Far West." Here they began plundering the neighborhood 
and taking their spoils to a place which they called " the Lord's 



STATE PERIOD. 



195 



Treasury." The County Clerk was a Mormon, so it was finally 
arranged that he should favor his people, who agreed not to 
abide by the laws of Missouri, denouncing them as unjust. The 
citizens and Mormons came together in a pitched battle in which 
several were killed. This aroused the indignation of the State 
and its Governor sent an armed force against them, which, 
though in arms, drove them to their main town, "Far West," 
where the leaders were captured, among whom was Smith 
himself. They were promised their freedom, provided they 
would leave the State, except the principal leaders -who were 
condemned and sentenced to be shot, but this was afterward re- 
scinded. (For later history see Mormon War.) 



FRENCH'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1846-1853. 



Governor, .... Augustus C. French. 

Lieutenant-Governor! '^^6-49, - Joseph B Wells. 

( 1649-53, . William McMurtry. 

Secretary of State, ... Horace S. Cooper. 

Auditor, .... Thomas Campbell. 

Treasurer, \ ^^4i-49, " - - Milton Carpenter. 

( 1649-53, - . - . John Moore. 

Attorney-General, 1S46-49, - - David B. Campbell. 

( 15th House, - - Newton Cloud. 

Speaker of } i6th " - - Zadok Casey. 

( 17th " - - Sidney Breese. 

i( 1843-49, Sidney Breese. 

*' I 1S49-55, James Shields. 

T.L., 1847-53, Stephen A. Douglas. 
7 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1855, 1,050,000. 

The Fifteenth General Assembly convened December 7, 1S46, 
and adjourned March i, 1847. The Sixteenth held two sessions; 
January i, 1S49, ^'"^"^ October 22 they were convened. The 
State Constitution having been changed that the election for 
Governor and the other higher State officers, save Treasurer 
and Superintendent of Public Instruction, might be elected at 
the time of Presidential election. Governor French was re-chosen 
to fill out the short term of three years; thus the Seventeeth 



196 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

General Assembly also came under his administration, convening 
January 6, 1851, in the week required by the new Constitution. 
As the Convention failed to make any provision for Attorney- 
General the office became extinct when Mr. Campbell's time 
expired; but was again instituted in 1S65, when R. Ingersoll 
was appointed. This might properly be called the " First War 
Administration." 

WAR WITH MEXICO. 

Cause. — At the time Governor French entered upon the 
duties of his office the United States was engaged in war with 
Mexico. Texas having rebelled, in 1837, fi'om Mexico, the 
country to which she originally belonged, secured her independ- 
ence and shortly afterward applied for admission to tlie United 
States; but the people of the latter were divided on the question, 
and it was made an issue in the election of 1844, when a plank 
v\^as inserted in the Democratic platform to that effect. James 
K. Polk, the candidate of that party, being elected decided the 
wishes of the majority. 

A bitter dispute then existed between the two countries re- 
garding the boundary, Texas claiming the Rio Grande for the 
line while Mexico asserted that it was the Nueces River, confin- 
ing it to a much smaller strip than had rebelled. On the annex- 
ation of Texas the Mexican mmister departed from Washington 
and threatened war, while the United States endeavored to settle 
the matter by compromise; but the former would not listen to 
any negotiations for peace. Accordingly General Taylor with 
United States troops was sent to the disputed territory, in 1845, 
where hostilities had begun. 

Preparing for War. — The call for troops was divided 
principally among the Western and Southern States, the demand 
from Illinois being for three regiments. The response w^as 
liberal and four were ready for action almost immediately. The 
troops assembled at Alton where they were inspected by Gen- 
eral James Shields. Choice for Colonel of the First Illinois 
fell upon General John J. Hardin; Second, William H. Bissell; 
Third, Captain Forman, of Fayette; Fourth, Hon. E. D. Baker. 

United States forces were divided into three divisions, known 



STATE PERIOD. 



197 



as General Taylor's Army, General Scott's Army and General 
Kearney's Army. The 1st and 2d Illinois left Alton July 17, 
18 and 19, on the steamers, Convoy, Missouri and Hannibal. 
Abandoning these at a convenient point on the lower Mississippi, 
they marched overland to San Antonio, where they went into 
camp for a few days. The 3d and 4th departed July 22 and 23, 
the former on the Glencoe and John Aull, the latter on the Sul- 
tana and Eclipse, reaching Comargo, their destination, the latter 
part of September. 

Long: March of the 1st and 3d Illinois. — As 
these troops were called to the "Sunny South" when the great 
luminary shed its light in vertical rays upon them, the marches 
were destructive to life and health; more troops died from ex- 
posure to the scorching heat and from change of food than at 
the hands of the enemy. The ist and 2d regiments were called 
upon to endure the greater suffering because of thtir long jour- 
neys on foot. They were to join General Taylor's Army, but 
before being permitted to remain with him were sent with a 
detachment, numbering in all 3,000 men, under General Wool, 
to pass through several northern states of Mexico, where the 
inhabitants were on the verge of rebelling as Texas had done. 
They took up the march September 26, 1846, and crossed the 
Rio Grande at San Juan, or the ancient Jesuit town, Presidio, 
distant 1S2 miles from San Antonio, and reached the city of 
Santa Rosa October 24. This place is situated at the base of 
Sierra Gorda mountains which they were unable to cross with 
their cannon, provisions and other accoutrements. This ended 
the enterprise having accomplished nothing. In many towns 
the people were willing to feed the troops but none gave indica- 
tions of deserting their country. 

1st and 3d Illinois at Biiena Vista. — The ist and 

2d Illinois joined General Taylor's division in time to take an 
active part in the battle of Buena Vista. General Bissell with 
the 2d regiment, was brought into the heat of the engagement— 
in short, the battle would have terminated differently had it not 
been for the coolness of this commander and his troops. The 
conflict began on the morning of the 23d of Februarv, 1S47, 
and all that long day the heaviest charge was directed against 



198 HISTOKV OF ILLINOIS. 

that jDortion of the army in which the Illinois troops were sta- 
tioned. They and a portion of the Texans faced this galling 
fire as they took deliberate aim, and by the aid of the batteries, 
strewed the ground on which the enemy stood with the dead 
and dying ; yet the Mexicans did not waver but pushed forward 
to rout this destructive division. At one time the troops were 
nearly surroimded, but when Colonel Bissell saw the danger of 
being captured he gave command to cease firing. Orders were 
next given to wheel about; then the decisive "Forward march," 
which was obeyed and the troops retreated to a new position, 
where the command was given to halt: every man stood at his 
post, the contest was renewed and finally the enemy forced to 
retreat. When evening came General Taylor's forces occupied 
about the same position they did at the beginning of the engage- 
ment, and in the night Santa Anna stole away, leaving the field 
in undisputed possession of the United States. The loss of the 
1st Illinois regiment was 29 killed, 16 wounded; 2d Illinois, 62 
killed, 69 wounded. Of the entire Union force but 264 were 
killed — almost two-fifths from Illinois. The loss of the Mexi- 
cans aggregated at least 2,500. 

3cl and 4tli Illinois at Vera Crnz. — General Scott 

conducted the attack on Vera Cruz, in which the 3d and 4th 
Illinois took an active part, though not one of their number was 
lost in the engagement. March 9, 1S47, the troops were landed, 
and they considered it fun to drive the Mexicans from hill to hill 
in their irresistible advance upon the city. Various means were 
tried to induce the enemy to surrender, but for some time with- 
out success. After waiting two weeks a destructive bombard- 
ment was opened upon their stronghold, in which 2,500 tons of 
ammunition were thrown into the city, discharging its mission 
with terrible precision, when it surrendered. 

3d and 4tli Illinois at Cerro Gordo. — The march 

was now taken up for Cerro Gordo where Santa Anna had col- 
lected 15,000 troops after his defeat at Buena Vista, having 
marched thither with all possible speed. There was but one 
road by which the Union army could gain the interior. This 
was upon what is known as the national road, leading through a 
deep gorge, the passage of a river through the mountains, 2,000 



STATE PERIOD. I99 

feet below the heights encompassing it, upon which the Mexi- 
cans were perched ready to pour shot and shell down upon their 
foe. Bv keeping the enemy's attention on pretended attempts 
to pass this road a new one was nearly completed before the 
design was discovered. In the night the 3d aud 4th Illinois 
regiments succeeded in getting a 24-pound battery to these 
heights and in the morning the engagement began along the 
whole line. The enemy's left was given to the Illinois troops 
to capture. They discharged their work nobly and reached the 
Jalapa road, thus preventing a retreat in that direction. In the 
storming of a batterv General Shields was shot through the lungs. 
Though his obituary was published in many papers he survived 
the injury. 

This was the last engagement in which the Illinois troops 
fought during the Mexican war. As the time for which they 
had enlisted had about expired and as they all desired to return, 
their services being no longer necessary, they were soon dis- 
charged and arrived at home by the first of June. However, 
the war did not close until a few months afterward, when the 
city of Mexico surrendered. 

The Illinois Trooi>S in this war gained distinction 
worthy of note: they had engaged in the severest battles, had 
furnished more men than any other State save Texas, and were 
the heaviest losers; beside, they stood the brunt of the assaults 
and defied the most destructive charges. The 5th and 6th regi- 
ments were also organized and departed for the scene of conflict, 
but owing to the early capture of Mexico their services were 
not needed to guard the country for the bringing of supplies, as 
was originally intended. 



The Second Constitvitional Convention was called 

and convened June 7, 1S47, with Zadok Casey President pro 
tempore. Newton Cloud was elected President and Henry W. 
Moore, Secretary. 

Membership Contest. — A bitter contest was sprung in the 
Legislature upon the question regarding membership of this 
Convention ; the slavery controversy being the principal point 



200 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

at stake, politicians naturally divided. The majority of the earli- 
est settlers came from slave States, taking up their abode in the 
southern portion, while the northern part w^as settled principally 
from anti-slave States. These immigrants arriving later, as a 
natural consequence made their homes in the newer portion — 
the north. Owmg to this a party line was drawn across the 
State regarding apportionment. The North wanted the census 
of 1845, which showed a population of 662,125, while the South 
desired that of 1840, the population then numbering 476,183. 
The point was carried in favor of the former, 162 delegates 
being chosen. The principal Democrats were, Thomas Camp- 
bell, Willis Allen, Anthony Thornton, Walter B. Scates, 
John Dement, John M. Palmer and Zadok Casey; Whigs, 
Stephen T. Logan, David Davis, Jesse O. Norton, Henry O. 
Dummer, Archibald Williams and Cyrus Edwards. 

Salary Resolution. — The following were the principal 
resolutions adopted in convention which were submitted to the 
people for approval and carried in a contest that called out a full 
vote: That the salary of the Governor should be $1,500: Secre- 
tary of State, $800; Auditor, $800; Treasurer, $800; Judge of 
Supreme Court, $1,200; Judges of Circuit Court, $1,000; that 
no one should be subject to a draft but free, able-bodied citizens 
between the ages of eighteen and forty-five; that members of 
the Legislature were to receive two dollars per day when not 
in session over forty-two days; days of session after that, one 
dollar; also an allowance o2 ten cents mileage each way. Re- 
sult of the vote, 49,066 for and 15,859 against. 

Slavery Resolution. — The convention likewise submitted 
the vote as to whether free negroes should be admitted into Illi- 
nois or not, or whether they should be brought into the State at 
all and freed by their masters. The vote stood 20,884 ^°'' ^"^ 
49,066 against their admission, becoming known as the founda- 
tion of the " Black Laws." 

Debt Resolution. — A tax of two mills upon taxable prop- 
erty, over and above other taxes, for cancelling the State debt, 
was also submitted and the returns stood 41,017 for and 30,586 
against. It was a wise measure and became the means of early 
liquidating the indebtedness that had for several years been a 



STATE PEKIOD. 201 

burden. It also showed the position of the people as to honesty 
and integrity. On the first Monday in March, 184S, the vote 
was taken and went into effect the following month. 

State Elections. — The new Constitution required State 
elections to be held on the day and year of Presidential election. 

Illinois and Michig-an Canal. — During this adminis- 
tration the Illinois and Michigan canal was completed and navi- 
gation commenced in 1S4S. Since 1825 it had been the pet 
scheme of our ancestors for enriching the State, but when fin- 
ished upon the narrow plan did not prove the benefit to the 
country that had been anticipated. In consequence of the drain- 
age of ponds and the opening of channels, by settlers throughout 
the country, the water of the rivers flowed off more rapidlv; 
thus it followed that the Illinois River was not navigable 
for the entire season and the through trade naturally sought 
some other channel. Hence the tolls of the canal reached but 
$173,327; otherwise they would have doubled that amount. 

The Bloody Island Dike question was brought up 
in 1849 ^^^' settlement. A sand bar that had collected in the 
Mississippi river opposite the landings of St. Louis was proving 
a detriment to the interests of that city and would in all proba- 
bility eventually obstruct the landing of boats. The city built a 
dike from the above island to the Illinois shore, and while the 
operation was in progress an injunction v^^as laid upon it by the 
State of Illinois; but the matter was compromised after armed 
men had appeared upon the scene and the work continued. 

Gold Fever.— In 1850 gold was discovered in California 
and soon a great emigration poured over and from the State, 
seeking the fields of fortune in the far west. The plains were 
thronged with vehicles — principally covered wagons — making 
their way westward. Illinois lost a large per cent of her popu- 
lation through the excitement and many farms that were being 
put under cultivation were abandoned; but most of the pilgrims 
to the strange land had returned before the next census was 
taken; many no richer, a few with gold. 

State Policy AVar. — Cause. — Illinois was jealous of 
Missouri because the then great commercial center of the West, 
St. Louis, was located in that State. In 1849 this gave rise to 



303 HISTOKV OF II.I.INOIS. 

the " State Pollacy" -wbich Idved and flourished for several years 
iind was not wiped out of existence until 1854. It not only 
assisted to divide the State into North and South but greatly 
impeded the prosperity of certain sections of the country and 
is felt in the extreme southern portion of Illinois to this day. 
A company had under construction a railroad between Terre 
Haute, Indiana, and Jfacksonville, the only one allowed the South 
across the State. Repeated afforts had been made to secure 
roads to St. Louis, Avhich point received much of the Southern 
Illinois trade, but all without avail. 

The First Grievance Convention was accordingly 
called in June, 1849,10 bring out the sentiments of the people 
residing in the south tihird of the State. Over 1,000 delegates 
assembled, and at least 3,500 spectators to witness the transactions 
•of this great meeting having for its object a point of interest in 
their common welfare and fortime. Zadok Casey presided. 
Earnest speeches were made and a writ of grievances submitted, 
which emphatically depicted the wrong perpetrated upon the 
southern counties by those of the north for the sole purpose of 
aiding certain cities, while, by. so doing, they were neglecting 
the commercial interests and rviining the early settled portion of 
their State. 

State Policy Convention. — Illinois papers, also those of 
other States, took up the cause and commented upon it; the peo- 
ple genej^ally believed that the State would call an extra session 
■of the Legislature, and it was deemed advisable to hold a con- 
yention in opposition to the one previously held. Accordingly 
July 20, 1849, delegates assembled at Hillsboro, Montgomery 
County, at which time an iminense barbecue was prepared and 
13,000 people were in attendance. Among these were Joseph 
Gillespie, Cyrus Edwards, General Thornton and W. D. Lat- 
shaw. At this meeting the negative side was produced : St. 
Louis was a rival city, and for the State to build railroads that 
w^ould aid in furthering her advantages would be folly; Illinois, 
it was claimed, was already paying annually $15,000 to her fund 
for a license to sell produce within her corporation. 

Legislative Action. — The Policy Convention had its 
effect upon the Legislature that convened in October, 1S49. 



STATE PERIOD. 203 

Not only did this assembly reject the claims of the people of the 
southern counties, but passed strong resolutions upon the ques- 
tion of "State Policy." This act called out severe criticisms 
upon the Legislature by newspapers of the United States. Fol- 
lowing is the strongest explanation: 

"RESOL^"ED, I. That the geographical position of the 
State of Illinois, considered in connection with the construction 
of railroads within her limits, is one of the greatest natural ad- 
vantages which she possesses, and which under a judicious sys- 
tem of Legislati\'e policy must be very instrumental in promot- 
ing her general welfare as a State. 

II. That the prosperity of a State or nation consists, not only 
in the virtue and intelligence of a brave and energetic people; in 
the richness of her soil and mineral resources, but also in the 
extent of her flourishing towns, cities and villages. 

III. That any internal improvement, whether constructed 
oinder a general or special law, tending in its operation to impede 
the growth and prosj^ects of cities, towns and villages within our 
own borders, ought not to be encouraged. 

IV. That the construction which should be given to the sixth 
section of the tenth article of the Constitution is, that the General 
Assembly shall encourage improvements that are of an internal 
character and advantage, and not such as are mainly intended to 
promote external interests. 

V. That a railroad commencing at our eastern boundary, 
'running across the State and terminating at a point on the Mis- 
sissippi opposite St. Louis, and also uniting wath continuous lines 
of railroads extending eastwardly through our sister States, 
either to Cincinnati or the Atlantic cities, would be immensely 
advantageous to St. Louis, at the same time that it would impede 
the growth and prosperity of the cities, tow^nsand other localities 
on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. 

VI. That the connection of the Mississippi River by contin- 
uous lines of railroads with the Atlantic seaboard is of vital im- 
portance to the whole Union, and we willingly invite the con- 
struction of railroads passing through other States, to our eastern 
boundary, promising to grant to them the right of way, and re- 
serving to ourselves only the privilege of fixing the termini; a 



304 HISTORY OF ILLII^OIS. 

privilege we constitutionally claim, and which ^ve ai'e entitled 
to exercise by reason of our geographical position. 

VII. That the construction of the great Central Railroad i& 
a subject of vast importance to Illinois, and all laws, having for 
their object the completion of the same on joroper principles, 
ought to be encouraged; providing such laws do not infringe too 
much upon our natural advantages growing out of the geograph- 
ical position of the State. — [Laws of special session, 1S49. 

Our statesmen were willing and even anxious for railroads to 
be constructed from the Atlantic coast westward but they re- 
served the right to name their termini when passing to or through 
the State. In 1850 a new Legislature was elected, which 
body, in its session of 1851, granted a charter to the Ohio & 
Mississippi company. Senator Douglas took up the question 
also by writing letters home referring the people to the fact that 
they should be more liberal in their views; that in the northeast 
part of the State was a city (Chicago) that was growing fi"om 
the I'esources of the great Northwest which was becoming rap- 
idly settled ; that the people should not give preference to the 
towns but to the agricultural interests upon which the towns- 
depended. 

Second Grievaxce Convention. — As the Salem Con- 
vention of 1849 ^^^^ been successful in securing the Ohio & 
Mississippi railroad another convention was called, setting forth 
further grievances, especially a necessity for other roads. Hon- 
orable Zadok Casey was again President, and Sidney Bi'eese 
was appointed Chairman of a committee to draft an address to 
the Governor, setting forth the propriety of calling a special 
session. The Governor complying, the special session convened' 
in February, 1854, which was more liberal than the former and 
the " State Policy " died its death. 

Illinois Central Railroad. — To this administration 
belongs the construction of a railroad that has brought into the 
State more revenue than any other industry — the Illinois Cen- 
tral. It had been proposed to build a road from the tenninus of the 
Illinois and Michigan Canal to the junction of the Ohio and 
Mississippi Rivers, but the matter remained a question in the 
minds of the people until in 1850, when Congress granted to 



STATE PERIOD. 205 

Illinois 3,000,000 acres of land through the State along the con- 
templated line, to aid in building it. All this grant lay in 
alternate sections, and the United States immediately raised the 
price of her remaining alternate sections from $1.25 per acre, 
the then market price, to $2.50 per acre and disposed of it earlier 
than she would otherwise have done had the grant not been made. 

Work was almost immediately begun upon both ends of the 
main line, which was to be built first. The work being in fair 
progress a question arose among the people along the route as 
to the proper place for the Chicago branch to connect with the 
main line. After the cities had parleyed over the matter and 
various offers made it was decided to build the branch from a 
point where the least amount of land had yet been sold. Ac- 
cordingly Centralia was selected. The Government also made 
a similar grant to other new States south, and thus a line of rail- 
road, reaching from the Great Lakes to the Gulf, would soon be 
in full operation. Work was hurried forward and by 1S56 the 
road was completed from Dunleith (East Dubuque) to Cairo; 
also the branch line connecting the latter city with Chicago. 
Seven per cent of the gross earnings have been pouring into the 
State Treasury ever since and if the Legislature steers clear of 
bribery, the institution will ever continue to be of vast importance 
to the financial interests of Illinois. 

State Bank. — The first act of the Legislature of 1851 was 
to work upon a bill to re-establish the State bank. Notwith- 
standing the Government was in the hands of the Democratic 
party, which had repeatedly inserted in its platform the belief 
that all former financial crashes had their origin in the reckless 
banking system, yet the bill for re-establishing this pretended 
enemy, passed by a goodly majority. The reason for this move, 
as offered by those in favor of the bank was, that the State had 
been flooded with money from other States, some of which was 
greatly depreciated, and it had become a source of annoyance 
to the people to be able to tell the worthless from the genuine; 
beside it was not an indication of stability for other States to 
furnish the circulating medium. When submitted to the vote 
of the people, the question carried by a large majority. 

Election. — In the election which took place at the close of 



206 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

French's administration three tickets were placed before the 
people from which to choose. The Democrats nominated Joel 
A. Matteson for Governor, Gustavus Ka?rner, Lieutenant- 
Governor; Whigs, E. B. Webb, Governor, J. L. D. Morrison, 
Lieutenant-Governor; Abolitionists, Dexter A. Knowlton, Gov- 
ernor, and Philo Carpenter of Cook, Lieutenant-Governor. 
The Democratic ticket was successful. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Augustus C. French, eighth Governor of Illinois, was 
born at Hill, New Hampshire, August 2, iSoS. His parents 
were in moderate circumstances, but both died when he was 
only nineteen years old, leaving four younger children for him 
to maintain. He discharged his mission in a noble manner; at 
the same time found spare moments for his own mental im- 
provement and even attended college a few terms. He studied 
law and in 1831 was admitted to the bar. He early became a 
warm friend of Stephen A. Douglas, was also an elector for 
President Polk. After his gubernatorial career he became pro- 
fessor in McKendree College at Lebanon, where he died, Sep- 
tember 4, 1S64. 



MATTESON'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1S53-1857. 



Governor, .... Joel A. Matteson. 

Lieutenant-Governor, ... Gustavus Koerner. 

Secretary of State, ... David L. Gregg. 

Auditor, .... Thomas Campbell. 

Treasurer, - - ... - John Moore. 

01 r { iSthHouse, - - John Revnolds. 

Speaker of | ^^^j^ ,, ' _ _ Thomas turner. 



( 1849—55, James Shields. 



United States Senators, ■/ ' *'( 1855-61, Lyman Trumbull. 

( T.L,, 1853-59, Stephen A. Douglas. 

9 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1S55, 1,050,000. 

This might well be called the " Administration of Immigra- 
tion." The rapid sale of land and the many laborers employed 
in workin"- on the Central railroad were the means of bringing 



STATE PERIOD. 30,7" 

many new settlers; the population increased from 851,470, as 
given in the census of 1S50, to 1,711,955, as shown by the cen- 
sus of i860, while Chicago in 1855 numbered 80,000. 

Free School System. — The most important'act of the 
Eighteenth General Assembly was the establishing of the free 
school system as it exists to-day> Various laws had been enacted 
and repealed' until the State authorities themselves hardl}' knew 
the test I'esult of all their legislating upon this branch. 
Free schools had been prevented' from flourishing by the sale of 
school lands in- 1828, but what was realized by these sales had 
accumulated to a round little sum, of which the township fund,, 
in 1855, amounted to^ $1,441,477 and yielded an interest of 
$1 1 1,191 annually.. 

Two large conventions were held in 1853, one at Jersey ville 
and one at BloomingtoUy as it was- contemplated that a special 
session of the Legislature would be called. Home school system: 
and those in use abroad, were discussed,, the results compared, until 
it was not difficult to> distinguish, the different workings of school 
laws then- im vogue. This conventioni had its desired effect and 
the Legislature took a- wise' step im this- direction. This impor- 
tant branch of State government had been in the Secretary of 
Stated hands,, and having other matters on his mind of a more 
political nature, our free school system had been grossly neglected. 
Accordingly the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction 
was created; salary, $1,500 a year. The Governor appointed 
Ninian W. Edwards, son of Governor Ninian Edwards, to make 
ani investigation of the schools of the State, report their condition 
and suggest,, if possible, a future course. When his report was 
made a bill was prepared and passed the Legislature by almost a 
unanimous vote,. February 15,, 1S55. 

Temperance. — "Maine Liquor Laws" passed the 
Joint Assembly inj 1855,. ^^^' ^ submission of the question to a 
vote of the people. These laws prohibited the sale or manu- 
facture o£ intoxicating liquors. The passage of the bill was 
brought about by various circumstances: In 1853 a law took 
effect that prohibited, an individual from drinking liquor in the 
same building where it had been sold or given to him ; also, a 
dealer was not allowed tO' sell or give away liquor in quantities. 



3o8 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of less than a quart. These restrictions met with bitter opposi- 
tion and they were repealed by the next Legislature. The tem- 
perance people, full of enthusiasm, held conventions at the Cap- 
ital, though refused the use of the State house, and resolutions 
were framed by them similar to the " Maine Law." By the 
next General Assembly a new Legislature had been elected and 
the temperance people were favored by the passage of the bill. 

Liquor Riots. — As this bill forbade all licensing of saloons 
and as saloon men of Chicago were then paying $300 yearly, 
they claimed that from the passage of the bill they would be 
exemjat from taxation until aftef the election, and accordingly 
refused to pay their fines. They were arrested but a number of 
friends quickly organized themselves into a mob while the trials 
were in progress, which was not quelled until several had been 
killed and the militia called out. On the following day the city 
was put under mai^tial law. When the vote on the question was 
submitted to the people the liquor element had gained such a 
hold on them, especially in Chicago, that the bill was lost. 

A National Question. — A new party was now fast 
gaining popularity, based principally upon the slavery question, 
and partially made up from those dissatisfied with the old party 
that had been holding the reins of Government almost since its 
foundation was laid. The discussion of various questions that 
brought forth this party would necessitate a National discussion 
rather than of State, but that young readers may better under- 
stand the divided opinions of the people, we refer them to the in- 
troduction of slavery in 1619; to the "Missouri Compromise" 
of 1S20 and to the repeal of the same law in 1S54; to the "Fugi- 
tive Slave Act" of 1850; and to the "Kansas Struggle" of 1854. 
The party opposed to slavery had existed for many years before 
any token of organization was given. All bitter disputes had 
been virtually settled by the Missouri Compromise, as it allowed 
Territories permitting slavery to be admitted into the United 
States lying south of a line drawn westward from the southern 
boundary of Missouri, while this right was prohibited north of 
that line, Missouri excepted. When Texas was to be admitted 
in 1845 a dispute arose as to whether it should be free or slave 
though it lay south of the named line — the anti-Slavery party 



STATE PERIOD. 209 

claiming it was riot a part of the United States when the com- 
promise was made. The admission of Texas was the means of 
org^anizing a party spirit wliich had not yet died away when 
Kansas desired admission, but the people of that Territory were 
divided in their wishes and apparently averse to settling the 
matter peaceably. Senator Douglas of Illinois, in his endeavor 
to quiet the new disturbance, only kindled it afresh by advocat- 
ing " squatter sovereignty." He introduced a bill to that effect 
which became a law in May, 1S54, and virtually repealed the 
Alissouri Compromise by giving a Territory the right to choose 
whether it would become a free or slave State. This aroused 
the indignation of the anti-Slavery party, especially in Illinois. 

Doviglas Denied Free Speech. — On the return of 

Senator Stephen A. Douglas from Congress, the city of Chicago 
was in a ferment of excitement, one faction upholding him in 
his work and the .other threatening his life. His opponents had 
learned to fear him because of his power and eloquence. He 
had reversed public sentiment on several occasions almost by a 
single speech, and now the Democratic party wished to have 
him explain the Kansas-Nebraska bill, which he had introduced 
and which was intended to gain favor with the people. When 
he attempted his address in Chicago, free speech was denied him. 
He had been warned not to appear in public, as announced for a 
certain evening in August (1S54), but he paid no attention to 
either threats or warnings. 

He took his place in front of North Market Hall as an- 
nounced, and where at least 10,000 people had assembled. He 
began by alluding to the threats and comments upon the occa- 
sion, but when he merged into the political situation there was an 
annoyance of hissing which culminated in yells. He folded his 
arms and stood staunch and firm until the tumult had subsided, 
when he launched forth again, but his voice was once more 
drowned. Thus for four hours he stood before a mob and was 
at last compelled to abandon his undertaking, notwithstanding 
a desperate attempt on the part of his friends to restore order. 

Senatorial Contest.— In the Senatorial contest of 1S56 
the canvass waxed warm. On first ballot James Shields received 
41 v^otes; Abraham Lincoln, 45; scattering, 13. These men 



2IO HISTOKV OP' ILI-INOIS. 

had been bitter antagonists even before their threatened duel in 
1842. On the fifth ballot Shields received 43; Lincoln, 34; 
scattering 33. On the seventh Shields's name was withdrawn 
and Joel A, Matteson received 46; Lincoln, 27; scattering, 25. 
On the tenth (Mr. Lmcoln's name having been withdrawn 00 
the ninth) Trumbull received 51; Matteson, 47; scattering, i, 
Trumbull, of anti-Slavery persuasion, was thus chosen. 

Political Parties. — First Republican Convention, 
—The first meeting of the new party in Illinois was held in 
Jacksonville in 1S53 by but seven members. However, the 
present name was not agreed upon until in 1S54 at a meeting in 
Bloomington, when the appellation, " Republican," was adopted 
on motion by John Lynch. From this time forward the party 
grew rapidly, with the following papers of the State its staunch 
advocates by 1S56: The Jacksonville Journal by Paul Selby 
(now editor of State Journal, Springfield); Quincy Whig, V. 
V. Ralston; Chicago Tribune, C. H. Ray; Rock Island Adver- 
tiser, O. P. Whorton; Peoria Republican, T.J. Prickett; Staats 
Zeitung, George Schneider, Chicago; Princeton Post, Charles 
Foxon; Lacon Gazette, A. N. Ford; Dixon Telegraph, B. F. 
Shaw; Decatur Chronicle, W.J. Usrey. The editors of these 
papers met in Decatur in February and arranged for a conven- 
tion, which was held in Bloomington in May, where John 
Wentworth, John M. Palmer, Richard Yates, Lyman Trumbull 
and O. H. Browning figured as prominent personages. W. H, 
Herndon, Springfield, and R. J. Oglesby, Decatur, were also 
present. The State ticket stood as follows: Governor, W. H. 
Bissell; Lieutenant-Governor, Francis Hoffman; Secretary of 
State, O. M. Hatch; Auditor, Jesse K. Dubois; Treasurer, 
James ISIiller; Superintendent of Public Instruction, W. H, 
Powell. 

Democratic Convention. — The Democrats felt that a con- 
test was at hand and early rallied to meet the onset. Almost a 
year before the election a convention was held and the following 
State ticket nominated: Governor, W. A. Richardson; Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, Colonel R. J. Hamilton; Secretary of State, 
W. H. Snyder; Treasurer, John Moore; Auditor, Samuel K, 
Casey; Superintendent of Public Instruction, J. H. St. Matthew, 



STATE PERIOD. 211 

Election. — The entire Republican ticket was successful by 
4,729 votes on the head of the ticket. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

tToel A. Mattesoil, ninth Governor of Illinois, was born 
in Jefferson County, New York, August 8, iSoS, being the only 
child of a farmer in ordinary circumstances. Young Matteson 
early became an adventurer. First going to Canada, he remained 
there a few years, when he returned home and entered an acad- 
emy. After finishing his course in this school, he departed for 
the purpose of visiting several cities, returning by way of St. Louis, 
through Illinois and back to his home, paying his expenses by 
honest labor. After returning to his native land he married, 
sold his farm which he had partiallv improved, it having been 
given him by his father, and moved to the country of his choice 
— Illinois. In a locality where there were but two neighbors 
within a radius of ten miles, he selected his homestead. On 
this he erected a house, leaving his wife and child twelve miles 
distant while doing so, and sleeping at night under a pole shed. 
Upon awaking one morning he found a huge rattlesnake occu- 
pying a part of his bed. Without help, it was with much cau- 
tion that he succeeded in deserting his visitor without being bit- 
ten. After improving his farni he became a heavy speculator. 
When first elected to the Legislature, in 1842, he was proprietor 
of large woolen mills at Joliet. 

Mr. Matteson was not an orator, but he was a good Governor 
though he was afterward charged with being a defaulter; yet 
the State never lost a cent through the charged fraud. Gov- 
ernor Matteson died at Chicago in January, 1873, a disheartened 
and poor man though once wealthy. 



BISSELL'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1857-1861. 



Governor, \ , '^ '^f°' ' " ^ H. Bissell. 

' I from « , - - John Wood. 

Lieutenant-Governor, - - - John Wood. 

Secretary of State, - - - O. H. Hatch. 



212 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Auditor, ... Jesse K. Dubois. 

Treasurer, - - - William Butler. 

c 4. r r> ur T 4. 4.- \ to l8SQ, William H. Powell, 

bupt. of rublic Instruction, ■{ , ,/^' tvt . o 

^ ' \ from " , Newton Bateman. 

c 1 £ { 2oth House, - John Reynolds. 

Speaker of ■{ ^ _ . „ ' • ^, ™ 

^ ^ 2ist " - - 1 nomas 1 urner. 

!E.L., 1855-61, Lyman Trumbull. 

j ^S53~59i Stephen A. Douglas. 

9 Representatives in Congress; Population in i860, 1,711,955. 

Governor Bissell took the oath of office in the Governor's 
mansion, being unable to proceed to the capitol because of nerv- 
ous prostration. The members of the Legislature proceeded 
thither for opening ceremonies, escorted by a company of sol- 
diers. The Governor was not able to deliver his message and 
gave the manuscript to a member who read it to the Joint Assem- 
bly upon convening in the hall of Representatives. 

A Stormy Legislature. — The Twentieth General As- 
sembly was a stormy one. In the Senate the Democrats had 
one majority; the House stood 38 Democrats, 31 Republicans 
and 6 Americans (Know-Nothings), who usually voted with the 
Republicans. But few questions for the welfare of the State 
were discussed, most of the time being spent in political bluster 
— the discussion of each other and the character of the party — 
and for the melee the members appeared primed. On the or- 
ganization of the House the first matinee occurred. 

Peoria District Contest. ^ — In the Peoria district C. M. 
Eastman had received the majority of votes but scAcral ballots 
had the initials of his name wrong. By throwing these out the 
Democrats could seat their man, Mr. Shellebarger, which was 
accordingly done. This gave them the number as stated above ; 
otherwise the Republicans would have had a majority. Both 
sides fully realized the importance of securing the speaker. Mr. 
Bridges, a Republican and former clerk, was present and made 
an attempt to call the House to order, but the Democrats were 
ready for the battle and John Dougherty was nominated speaker 
pro tempore; the nomination was put to vote, declared carried, 
and both gentlemen made a desperate effort to secure the atten- 
tion of the members. A motion was put and declared carried 



STATE PERIOD. 



213 



for the Sergeant-at-arms to eject Bridges, which he did amid a 
tumultuous uproar. The Democrats were then in charge and 
seated their member, retaining the control until organized. 

Attack on the Goverxor. — After the reading of the 
Governor's message, a motion was made to order 20,000 copies 
of it printed, when the tumult was again begun by John A. 
Logan, then Democratic member, -who amended the motion by 
substituting 10,000 copies, following with a two days' speech in 
which he severely rebuked the Governor, and the party for sup- 
porting him in his alleged violation of the Constitution by taking 
the steps he did in the Bissell-Davis affair. [See biographical 
sketch of Governor Bessell] The amendment carried. The 
Governor of the people's choice was bitterly assailed throughout 
his administration, as he should have been were the charges pre- 
ferred against him true. The following is an extract from 
General Logan's speech: 

"I am lost in amazement —standing before the people with 
falsehood upon his lips, and averring his own guilt of a reckless 
disregard of all that can inspire confidence in man; * * * 
I warn ^oung men and old against the example set. I pray 
God that we may never again witness such an occasion. Virtue 
and truth bereft of all their charms, while the hideous and hate- 
ful gods of vice hold dominion over the people." 

Lincoln and Doug-las Senatorial Contest. — In- 

TELLECTl^\L AND POLITICAL IMPORTANCE. — No Student Can 

afford to grow into maturity without a careful study of these 
two nien. His labor will not be thrown away. Gaining, as they 
did, a world-wide reputation in the times when our nation was 
tottering-, their works live to tell of the spirit each threw into 
his undertaking, stimulated by vigor and determination to win; 
supported by natural ability and tact. The arguments, compari- 
sons and applications in their speeches were sound; their retorts 
quick and cutting. The times called for action and they were 
prompt to obey; each, grappling his fire brand, held it aloft be- 
yond any mortal achievement, and the kindled flames were for 
the time bedimmed by the glaring eloquence of adversaries never 
before or since surpassed or equaled in a political canvass. 

Challenge. — Another United States Senatorial term was 



214 HISTORV OF II.MXOIS. 

drawing to a close, which was being filled by Hon, Stephen A. 
Douglas who had held the position eleven years and was aspir- 
ing to a re-election. Abraham Lincoln also desired the appoint- 
ment. July 24, 1858, the latter sent the former a challenge to 
address the same audiences in a joint discussion over the State. 
As Mr. Douglas had already arranged with the Democratic Cen- 
tral Committee to stump the State, he replied that until he could 
consult that committee, being anxious to accept the challenge, he 
could give no definite answer. It was finallv arranged and seven 
discussions were held: Ottawa, August 21, 1S58; Freeport, 
August 27; Jonesboro, September 15; Charleston, September 
iS; Galesburg, October 7; Quincy, October 13 and Alton Octo- 
ber 15. 

When the contest ended the men were enemies. Douglas 
was the successful candidate for the Senate, but Lincoln's name 
and sentiments had become known to the people of the United 
States and he was selected by Republicans to be their candidate 
in the Presidential election of i860, when he was successful. 
Douglas was also a candidate but there being two Democrats in 
the field. Northern and Southern, he made no effort to meet 
with success. 

Election of 1858. — The tickets in the election of 1858 
Avere headed by Treasurer and Superintendent of Public In- 
struction. Parties for this year stood as follows: Buchanan 
Democrats, favoring the introduction of slavery into Kansas; 
Democrats, favoring Douglas in his introduction of slavery 
where a majority of the people desired it; Republicans, favoring 
the abolition of slavery though not then asserting it. To give 
an idea of the political standing of the times we give the result 
of the election. 

TREASURER. SUPT. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 



James Miller, r 125,430 

William F. Fondey, d 121,609 
John Dougherty, b d 5^071 



Newton Bateman, r 124,556 
Augustus C. French, d 122,413 
John Reynolds, b d 55^73 



Republican Congressmen w^ere elected in the First, Second, 
Third and Fourth districts; Democratic, in the Fifth, Sixth, 
Seventh, Eighth and Ninth. 



STATE PERIOD. 215 

All Apportioilllieilt Bill was brought before the Leg- 
islature in 1S59 which caused another terrible scene in the House. 
Lincoln and Douglas had so awakened the people of the State 
by their stirring eloquence, that when the bill came up not the 
least point was left undisputed ; the Democrats were losing 
ground and the Republicans were anxious to gain all they could. 
As matters stood on the introduction of the bill the popular vote 
was on the side of the Republicans but according to the arrange- 
ment of districts the Democrats were likely to get a majority in 
the Legislature. This bill provided for the opportionment in 
such a manner that Republicans were not allowed as many Rep- 
i-esentati\es in the Legislature as they thought they were enti- 
tled to have, claiming that the south portion of the State had 
more per capita than the north; thus confining them to thirty- 
three Representatives w^hile the Democrats would be given 
forty-one. By every means possible the bill was retarded and 
kept back; when it finally passed, the Lieutenant-Governor was 
careful to be away and did not sign it for several days; then 
v^'hen received by the Governor he retained the document a 
week before putting his veto upon it. When the Governor's 
private secretary began reading the veto in the House a regular 
stampede ensued. In vain the Speaker attempted to restore or- 
der, asserting that there was not a quorum present and request- 
ing the removal of the secretary. The clerk would not receive 
the document which was tossed about and almost destroyed 
before it was rescued. Business was brought to a dead lock and 
many bills were never brought before the Assembly, 

Canal Script Fraud. — In 1S59 ^^^^ Canal Script Fraud, 
claimed to have been perpetrated b}- ex-Governor Matteson, 
came to light. On investigation it was found that that gentle- 
man, who had conducted the affairs of State through with glory 
iind pomp, was a defaulter to large amounts by taking old bank 
script from a sealed box and re-issuing it. When charged with 
the crime. Governor Matteson turned all his property over to 
the State without a word of defense, save the assertion that he 
had been imposed upon, and thus died, fourteen years later, a 
poor man ; yet when he took his seat at the Capital he w'as well- 
to-do. 



2l6 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Death of the Governor. — March iS, iS6o, Governor 
Bissell died and Lieutenant-Governor Wood became his suc- 
cessor for a term of ten months. He had been in poor health 
during the entire term of office and upon being attacked by poli- 
tician*, probably unjustly, his condition did not improve. His 
funeral was attended by a large crowd from all parts of the 
State. This is the first and only Governor who passed away 
while in office. 

Election. — State. — The Republican State Convention 
met at Decatur, May 9, i860, and nominated the following 
ticket: Governor, Richard Yates; Lieutenant-Governor, Fran- 
cis A. Huffman; Secretary of State, O. M. Hatch; Auditor, 
Jesse K. Dubois; Treasurer, William Butler; Superintendent of 
Public Instruction, Newton Bateman. The Democrats met at 
Springfield, June 13, and selected the following ticket: Gov- 
ernor, J. C. Allen; Lieutenant-Governor, L. W. Ross; Secre- 
tary of State, G. H. Campbell; Auditor, Bernard Arntzen; 
Treasurer, Hugh Maher; Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
Dr. E. R. Roe. They approved of the nomination of Stephen 
A. Douglas for President. The Breckinridge Democrats also 
put in nomination a State ticket. The result of the election was 
in favor of the Republicans, the gubernatorial vote resulting as 
follows: Richard Yates, R., 172,196; James C. Allen, D., 159,- 
153; T. M. Hope, B. D., 2,049; scattering, 2,905. 

National. — Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas each 
received a nomination for the Presidency, as previously stated, 
while Breckinridge vv^as supported by the Buchanan Democrats 
(the South). The canvass was warm and stubborn. In Illinois 
Lincoln received 171,126; Douglas, 158,254; Breckinridge, 2,293 
and Bell, 4,819 votes. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

William H. Bissell, tenth Governor of Illinois, was 
born near Painted Post, New York, April 25, 181 1. His par- 
ents were quiet, industrious people, desiring only a neat, com- 
fortable home and caring little for worldly pleasures or luxuries 
as they traversed the path of virtue and honesty, in which they 
carefully trained their children to follow. William being of an 



STATE PERIOD, 217 

energetic disposition, acquired an ordinary literary education in 
an academy, after which he studied medicine and began the 
practice of his ^^rofession in Monroe County, Ilhnois. On visit- 
ing a court room he became infatuated with the excitement which 
generally arises at trials, became a frequent visitor at the various 
courts and held several conversations with leading lawyers upon 
the subject now taking possession of his hitherto unsatisfied mind. 
In 1S30 he began the study of this profession and was admitted 
to the bar in 1S41, serving a term as Democratic member in the 
Legislature the following year. About this time his wife died, 
leaving to him the care of two daughters. He was subsequently 
married to the daughter of Elias K. Kane who survived him but 
a few days. Governor Bissell will ever be remembered as a 
good lawyer, a charming speaker and an excellent Colonel, hav- 
ing been the hero of Buena Vista in 1S47, at the head of the 
Second Illinois, While in Congress, in which he served two 
terms, a bitter dispute arose between him and Jefferson Davis: 
the latter gentleman endeavored to reap laurels for valor in the 
Mexican War, that were not due him, especially in the battle of 
Buena Vista. The replies of Bissell which were cutting and 
powerful gave him a national reputation. The contention in- 
creased in warmth until Davis challenged him to a duel which 
he is said to have quietly accepted, tliough the matter is not un- 
derstood as the following oath was required of him by the State 
unless previously changed : 

"I do solemnly swear that I have not fought a duel, nor sent 
or accepted a challenge to fight a duel, the probable issue of 
which might have been the death of either party, nor been a 
second to either party, nor in any manner aided or assisted in 
such duel, nor been knowingly the bearer of such challenge or 
acceptance, since the adoption of the Constitution; and that I 
will not be so engaged or concerned, directly or indirectly, in or 
about such duel during my continuance in office: so help me 
God," 

When elected Governor he was a Democrat but of anti-Ne- 
braska persuasion. Soon after assuming the reins of Govern- 
ment he was stricken with nervous prostration and died before 
his term of office expired, March i6, 1S60. He v\\as a de- 



2lS HISTOnY OF ILLINOIS. 

voted believer in the Catholic faith to the last, and the funeral 
services were accordingly in charge of the denomination of his 
choice. 

Abraliaill Lincoln was a descendant of an English fam- 
ilv that migrated to Massachusetts in 163S, whose posterity lived 
first in Pennsylvania, then in Virginia and afterward moved to 
Kentucky. The following is an autobiography written for J. W. 
Fell of Bloomington: 

"I was born February 12, 1S09, in Hardin County, Kentucky. 
My parents were both born in Virginia of undistinguished fami- 
lies—second families, perhaps I should say. My mother, who 
died in my tenth year, was of a family of the name of Hanks, 
some of whom now reside in Adams, and others in Macon 
Countv, Illinois. My paternal grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, 
emigrated from Rockingham County, Virginia, to Kentucky 
iibout 1 78 1 or 1782, where, a year or two later, he was killed by 
Indians — not in battle but by stealth — when he was laboring to 
open a farm in the forest. His ancestors, who were Quakers, 
went to Virginia from Berks County, Pennsylvania. An effort 
to identify theni with the New England family of the same 
name ended in nothing more definite than similarity of Chi'istian 
names in both families, such as Enoch, Levi, Mordecai, Solo- 
mon, Abraham, and the like. My father, at the death of his 
father, was but six years of age, and he grew up literally with- 
out any education. He removed from Kentucky to what is now 
Spencer County, Indiana, in my eighth year. We reached our 
new home about the time the State came into the Union. It 
w^as a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals still 
in the woods. There I grew up. There were some schools, 
so called, but no qualification was ever required of a teacher be- 
yond ' readin', writin' and cipherin' to the rule of three.' If a 
straggler, supposed to understand Latin, happened to sojourn in 
the neighborhood, he was looked upon as a wizard. There was 
absolutely nothing to excite ambition for education. Of course, 
when I came of age, I did not know much. Still, somehow, I 
could read, write and cipher to the rule of three, but that was all. 
I have not been to school since. The little advance I now have 
upon this store of education I have picked up from time to time 



STATE PERIOD. 



219 



under the pressure of necessity. I was raised to farm work, 
which I continued till I was twenty-two. At twenty-one I 
came to Illinois, and passed the first year in Macon County. 
Then I got to New Salem, at that time in Sangamon, now in 
Menard County, where I remained a year as a sort of clerk in a 
store. Then came the Black Hawk War, and I was elected 
a Captain of volunteers — a success which gave me more pleasure 
than any I have had since. I went into the campaign, was 
elected; ran for the Legislature the same year (1S32) and was 
beaten — the only time I ever have been beaten by the people. 
The next and three succeeding biennial elections I was elected to 
the Legislature. I was not a candidate afterward. During 
this Legislative period I had studied law and removed to Spring- 
field to practice it. In 1S46 I wife elected to the lower house of 
Congress. Was not a candidate for re-election. From 1849 
to 1S54, both inclusive, practiced law more assiduously than be- 
fore. Always a Whig in politics, and generally on the Whig 
electoral ticket, making active canvasses. I was losing interest 
in politics, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise aroused 
me again. What I have done since then is pretty well known. 
If any personal description of me is thought desirable, it may be 
said I am in height six feet, four inches nearly, lean in flesh, 
weighing, on an average, iSo pounds, dark complexion, with 
coarse black hair and gray eyes. No other marks or brands 
recollected. 

Yours very truly, 
A. Lincoln. 
The father of Abraham Lincoln was a thriftless man, under- 
taking first one kind of work and then another until he finally 
settled down in a little log cabin on a piece of ground almost 
barren. Here Abraham was born. He early showed a dispo- 
sition to study and, without a word of encouragement from his 
parents, he would travel with his sister, two years his senior, to 
a wretched little school house, four miles distant, to gain an 
education. In 1S16 his father had some difficulty with a neigh- 
bor and, with his family, removed to Perry County, Indiana, 
where he lost his wife in 18 iS. The father married a widow 
of the neighborhood thirteen months afterward. Though she 



220 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

had three children she did all in her power for the two dirty 
little unfortunates. She became very proud of Abraham who, 
she said, ne\'er gave her a cross word or look and never refused 
to do any work she requested of him. Young Lincoln recipro- 
cated his mother's love and in after years said, "All that I am 
or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother," He had but little 
chance for schooling but improved that little to the fullest ex- 
tent. He grew in height amazingly and when seventeen he had 
reached the altitude of six feet, four inches; wiry and strong, 
with enormous hands and feet, arms and legs far outstretching 
his proportions; withal, rather a small head and yellow skin 
somewhat shriveled. His clothes were of coarse homespun 
material, with trousers usually much too short because of his 
rapid growth. Imagine all this surmounted by a coon skin cap, 
and we have the picture of Lincoln at the close of his school 
days. His remaining life to the time of his discussions with 
Douglas is the life of all politicians and lawyers who have had 
to struggle with poverty in their toilsome ascent, and is gener- 
ally known. 

Before this warm contest opened Lincoln and Douglas had 
been opponents. On December 3, 1S39, both men were ad- 
mitted to practice in the Federal Courts and were frequently 
thrown on opposite sides, not only in politics but in law^ as well. 
Mr. Lincoln was not so prominent as Mr. Douglas in earl}' life 
because of adverse circumstances. He was repeatedly offered the 
nomination to rejDresent his district in Congress, but refused to 
accept after having served a term; he aspired to the office of 
Commissioner of the general land office, but failed to secure it; 
he was offered the Governorship of Oregon, but his wife re- 
fused to accompany him to that Territory; he also desired to 
succeed his opponent, James Shields, as United States Senator 
but Lyman Trumbull carried off the prize, and in the great con- 
test, partaking of such bitter party spirit, between himself and 
Mr. Douglas, he was again defeated. However, the names of 
these two men were uppermost in the minds and hearts of the 
people. 

In the search of the Republican party, in 1S60, for a Presi- 
dential candidate, they found in Lincoln's sentiments their senti- 



STATE PERIOD. 221 

ments and believed him to be the man who could carrv off the 
prize. He was accordingly nominated, as was his opponent, 
]Mr. Douglas, and secured the highest office of the nation's trust. 
So well did he discharge his duties as President that he became 
his own successor in 1S64. [For assassination see Oglesby's first 
administration.] 

Stephen A. Doug-las. — The early life of Stephen A. 
Douglas was somewhat brighter than that of his opponent. He 
was born at Brandon, Vermont, in 1S13. His father, a physi- 
cian of some notoriety, died when Stephen was but two months 
old. The mother being left in fair circumstances, moved to a 
farm, where her son learned to till the soil and think for him- 
self. At the age of fifteen he apprenticed to a cabinet maker, 
but owing to poor health abandoned his trade after working two 
years and returned home. He attended Brandon Academy for 
one year and then moved with his mother to Canandaigua, New 
York, continuing his education in the academy of that place, 
where he began fitting for the legal profession. In 1S33 he de- 
parted for Illinois, but falling short of funds before his arrival, 
was compelled to walk a part of the way. On arriving at Win- 
chester he opened a school and taught for three months, still 
pursuing his studies. In 1S34 he was admitted to the bar, began 
a successful practice at once and was appointed Attorney-General 
one year thereafter. The following positions of trust were 
tendered him, several of which he resigned for something better: 
elected to the Legislature, 1S35; appointed Registrar of the 
United States Land Office at Springfield, 1S37; nominated for 
Congress by the Democratic convention in 1837, ^ut failed to be 
elected; appointed Secretary of State, 1840; elected Judge of 
the Supreme Court, 1841; elected to Congress, 1843, 1845 ^"^ 
1847; elected to the United States Senate in 1847, 1853 and 
1859, the two latter times becoming his own successor. At the 
time of the approaching election of 1859 *^he slavery question 
had become the main issue. Mr. Lincoln entered the field as 
his opponent in the canvass and neither being ashamed to ex- 
press his sentiments or explain the platform upon which he 
stood, the contest waxed warm. Each becoming the leader of 
his party, the whole nation turned with interest to their speeches 



332 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and discussions. 

When the war broke out Mr, Douglas, as well as President 
Lincohi, took strong grounds in favor of maintaining the Union; 
in fact, there was no man that wielded a stronger influence to 
aid the President in consolidating the North and preserving the 
nation than Senator Douglas. When Mr. Lincoln stepped up- 
on the balcony to take the oath of office and deliver his inaugu- 
ral address he found Mr. Douglas by his side, who kindly of- 
fered and held his hat during the ceremony. Thus this great 
leader showed to his followers his sentiments. They in turn 
echoed them from State to State and vowed that if the worst 
must and should come they would stand by the leader who had 
been successful in securing the chief office of the great Repub- 
lic; also, when a manifesto had been issued for 75,000 troops, 
that his position might not be misunderstood. Senator Douglas 
called on Pi-esident Lincoln and warmly declared that he would 
stand by him in this, the great hour of peril. This declaration 
so delighted the President that he caused a part of the conversa- 
tion to be published. Seven days after, on arriving in Spring- 
field, he addressed both houses of the Legislature in a long and 
appropriate speech. In it he said: 

"So long as a hope remained of peace, I plead and implored 
for compromise. Now that all else has failed, there is but one 
course left and that is to rally as one man under the flag of 
Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison and Franklin. * * 
It is a prodigious crime against the freedom of the world to at- 
temjDt to blot the United States out of the map of Christendom. 
* * * Allow me to say to my political enemies, you will 
not be true to your country if you seek to make political capital 
out of these disasters; and to my old friends, you will be false 
and unworthy of your principles if you allow political defeat to 
convert vou into traitors to your national land. * * * Gen- 
tlemen, it is our duty to defend our Constitution and protect our 
flag." 

Douglas delivered but one public address after the foregoing. 
This was in the Republican wigwam in Chicago, in which Lin- 
coln was nominated for President. After retiring to his room 
in the Tremont House he was taken ill, where he died June 3, 



STATE PERIOD. 223 

1861. The entire nation felt the loss of this truly great man ; 
party feeling was laid aside in Chicago and all mourned the uu- 
timely death of their beloved citizen; the entire city was draped, 
where he had at one been denied free speech. 



YATES'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1S61-1865. 



Governor, .... Richard Yates. 

Lieutenant-Governor, ... Francis A. Hoffman. 

Secretary of State, - - - O. II. Hatch. 

Auditor, .... Jesse K. Dubois. 

^ ( to 186^, - - William Butler. 

Ireasurer, {. ,, ai i c^ 

' I from " ... Alexander btarne. 

o ^ r T-, 1 ,• T i. ^- i to 186^, Nev\ ton Bateman. 

Supt. of rublic Instruction, ■{ . ,, t i t^ n i 

^ ' I from " , John I . Brooks. 

q . L- - f j 22*^ House, - - Shelby M. Cullom. 

" I 23d " - Samuel A. Richardson. 

iE.L., — 1861-67, Lyman Trumbull. 

( 1859-61, Stephen A. Douglas. 
T.L., -^ 1861-63, Orvill H. Browning. 
I 1863-65, Wm. A. Richardson. 
14 Representatives in Congress; Population in i860, 1,71 1,955. 

The Twenty-second General Assembly convened January 7, 
1861, with a Republican majority in both houses, the first time 
any one party ever held sway over the Democrats of Illinois. 
Politics ran high until the war broke out, then curses and slan- 
der were heaped upon each other, although Illinois to a man 
was for the preservation of the Union, exclusive of a portion of 
the Buchanan or Breckinridge Democrats. 

Unsettled.. — The South having declared its intention to 
withdraw from the Union upon Lmcoln's taking the Presiden- 
tial chair, war appeared to be brooding though none could fore- 
tell the result. Illinois Democrats having met in convention, 
with the venerable Zadok Casey as chairman, and resolved to 
preserve the nation's honor, no disturbance within the State was 
fearcd except in the matter of war policy. All eyes were turned 
southward. Our State Legislature early adjourned without the 
transaction^ of any business of importance, other than its regular 



324 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



routine of appropriations, etc. The members were scarcely- 
home when Governor Yates issued a summons, April 15, for 
them to re-assemble. The body convened on the 23d, remaining 
in session ten days. 

To Anns! — April 14 President Lincoln issued a call for 
75,000 troops and apportioned six regiments to be raised in Illi- 
nois. Beside this number the Legislature provided for the 
raising of ten additional regiments of infantry, one of cavalry 
and a battalion of light artillery, to prevent an invasion of the 
State or rebellion of the residents, to be made up of male citi- 
zens between the ages of eighteen and forty-five. An appro- 
priation of $3,550,000 was made for carrying on the war: 
$1,500,000 for the purchase of weapons, ammunition, clothing, 
etc.; $2,000,000 for general war purposes and $50,000 to be 
placed at the disposal of the Governor. Though the war fever 
was intense the resolution introduced by Aaron Shaw was un- 
imously adopted — " That, while we are ever ready to sta-d by, 
and defend, with our fortunes and our lives, the Constitution, 
the honor and flag of our country, we will frown upon and con- 
demn any effort, on the part of the Federal Government, which 
looks to the subjugation of the Southern States." 

Party Feeling". — On the death of Douglas, June 3, party 
spirit was aroused in Illinois by the Governor appointing a 
Republican to succeed him in the United States Senate. From 
this forward every inch of ground was disputed between the 
two factions, which, together with the party strife throughout 
the nation and the bitter epithets hurled at each other by the 
unreasonable, has kindled a hatred that will only be wiped out 
as successive generations take their places upon the arena of 
national government. 



1861. 

Illinois was one of the most liberal States in her response 
to President Lincoln's call for troops. The first regiment 
took for its name the Seventh Illinois because of the first 
six numbers having been given to the regiments of the Mexican 



STATE PERIOD. 225 

War. During this year regiments from the Seventh to the 
Fifty-second inckisive, also the Fifty-seventh, Fifty-eighth and 
Fifty-ninthwere enhsted. The cavah'y was from the First to 
the Thirteenth inckisive. The principal places for mustering 
into service were Camp Butler and Camp Douglas. The 
former is now nicely fitted up and used as a soldiers' cemetery — 
located east of Springfield and two miles southwest of Riverton; 
the latter is the resting place of Stephen A. Douglas and is 
marked by an elegant monument which stands at the foot of 
Thirty-fifth Street, overlooking Lake Michigan, in Chicago. 

Guarding^ the State. — Cairo being in the extreme 
southern portion of the State, man}' soldiers were sent thither 
at the first outbreak to protect Illinois from Confederate inva- 
sion. Here several boats were captured on their way South 
with ammunition and arms. 

Arms Seized. — There being but few muskets in the State 
wherewith to supply the troops, a petition was sent to Congress 
and an order was given on the St. Louis arsenal. This place 
was overrun by Confederate spies ; besides, troops were scattered 
secretly in all parts of the city. The difficult task of securing 
this valuable store was put in charge of Captain Stokes, who, 
with 700 men from the Seventh Illinois, succeeded in seizing not 
only 10,000 muskets, the number ordered, but 20,000, besides 
500 carbines and the same number of pistols. 

Missouri Canil)aig"ll. — For the campaign in Missouri 
Colonel Mulligan, with the Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, 
the First Illinois Cavalry and 1,000 Missouri troops, was sent 
into Missouri, but was forced to surrender to Price, Confed- 
erate, in the battle of Lexington, September 20. The blame 
for this defeat was placed upon Fremont who did not send him 
immediate aid. (See U. S. history). 

The Sixteenth Illinois, under Colonel R. T. Smith, engaged 
the rebel Governor, Harris, at Monroe, Missouri, where it was 
besieged by the enemy until the timely arrival of ex-Governor 
Wood, of Illinois, with recruits. 

October 21, General Ulysses S. Grant, in command of the 
southwest district of Missouri with headquarters at Cairo, sent 
an expedition to drive the enemy from Fredericktown, which 



236 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

was accomplished principal!}- by Illinois regiments — 17th, 20thj 
2 1st, 23d and 38th. (See U. S. history). 

Next occurred the Battle of Belmont, fought exclusively by 
Illinois troops, save one regiment from. Iowa, and the entire 
command under General Grant. In this contest were Generals- 
John A. McClernand and John A. Logan and Colonel Dough- 
erty ; infantries, the 21st, 27th, 30th and 31st, and Fourth Cav- 
alrv. The engagement was for the purpose of preventing the 
Confederates from sending re-inforcements to Price. This was. 
a desperate conflict and without any decisive result. 



-:o:- 



1862. 

During this year seventy-four more Illinois regiments were 
added to the list of volunteers. Fighting began in earnest and 
many lovai citizens laid down their lives. 

Constitutional Convention.— January 7, 1S62, the 
delegates to the Constitutional Convention, for which the peo- 
ple had voted in November, 1S61, assembled at Springfield.. 
This was composed of many distinguished men, but as it was 
Democratic and the State officers were Republican, harmony 
did not exist; opposition at once took place between the two fac- 
tions imbued with ruling power. In the first place the Governor 
had gone beyond his constitutional authority, having expended 
about one and one-third million dollars of State money without 
action of the Legislature; yet it was jDrobably the wishes of the 
people that he should be liberal: but to kindle opposition and 
provoke an attack, his agent had purchased a large amount of 
worthless clothing in Philadelphia, which would have caused a 
loss to the State of $130,000 had it not afterward been made 
good. The United States Government saw a tendency to pro- 
voke discord in the State and sent an agent to re-imburse the 
amount expended, but the Governor refused to accept the offer, 
saving he had the right as authorized by the General Assembly 
to make such expenditures; yet he had spent over $Soo,ooo. 

This made capital for the convention which now endeavored 
to usurp power not allowed them; in short, they went so far as 



STATE PERIOD. 237 

to inquire into matters that were purely le<2^islative in their char- 
acter, and voted an appropriation of $500,000 for the support of 
destitute families of soldiers, hut the Governor paid no attention 
to the transaction. 

The constitution which they framed was severely criticised 
at first, hut it was afterward regarded as a great improvement 
on the old. The limit it placed upon tampering with State 
funds and State sources for revenue is commendahle. 

Forts Henry and Donelson. — The capture of the 
Confederate strongholds in Tennessee, forts Henry and Donel- 
son, to prevent preparation for Northern invasion, was given to 
General Grant with his land forces, and Commodore Foote with 
his gunboats. Grant's army was separated into two divisions, 
commanded by Generals McClernand and C. F. vSmith. The 
former's division was in two sections, commanded by Oglesby 
and Wallace. Oglesbv's command contained, of Illinois In- 
fantry, the 8th, iSth, 27th, 29th, 30th and 31st; Wallace's, the 
I ith, 1 2th, 45th and 4Sth, and of cavalry the 4th, with Taylor's 
and McAlister's batteries. Fort Henry was easily reduced, Feb- 
ruary 6, by Commodore Foote without direct aid of land forces, 
but at Donelson, ten days later, a severe battle was fought, which 
resulted in the capture of the fortification with its extensive store 
and 1 6,000 prisoners. IMost of the prisoners were sent to Camp 
Butler where they were well treated and not in a semi-barbarous- 
way as is sometimes pictured by the South. Illinois regiments in 
this campaign were the 7th, 8th, 9th, i ith, 12th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 
20th, 27th, 2Sth, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32d, 38th,4ist, 43d, 45th, 46th, 
48th, 49th, 50th, 57th and 5Sth. 

At Pea Riclg^e, Missouri, March 7 and 8, a desperate 
battle was fought in which 12,000 Federalists engaged 40,000 of 
the enemy. The first of the engagement was fought at Spring- 
field, Missouri, in which the Confederates were routed, but being 
re-inforced, they turned upon the Union troops at Pea Ridge, 
and after two days' hard fighting were again repulsed. The 
Illinois troops in this contest were the 35th, 36th, 37th and 57th 
'infantries, 3d and a portion of the 15th cavalries. The Fed- 
eralists were imder General Curtis and Confederates under Van 
Dorn and McCulloch. The latter was killed in the engagement. 



228 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Tfew Madrid. — In the capture of New Madrid, where the 
Confederates left their entire store — suppers spread, candles 
burning in their tents — and escaped under cover of a thunder- 
storm, were engaged the loth, i6th, 26th, 47th, 51st and 64th 
infantries and a portion of the Seventh Cavalry. 

Island No. 10. — The 12th, 22d, 43d, 51st and 64th in- 
fantries, and the 2d and 7th cavalries, all of Illinois, participated 
in the seizure of Island No. 10, April 7. 

Battle of Slliloll. — April 6 and 7 the desperate battle 
of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing) was fought. As Grant's army 
had been somewhat weakened, and as Buell was expected to 
arrive with re-inforcements, the Confederates determined to 
strike a blow before the union could be formed. In this two- 
days' battle Illinois suffered greater loss and maintained a braver 
resistance than any other State. In the engagement Prentiss 
and 3,000 soldiers were captured. General W. H. L. Wallace 
was killed and the Sixty-first Illinois was almost destroyed at the 
onset. Grant was not present and, as Sherman and Prentiss 
were at first disabled, being taken by surprise, the brunt of the 
battle fell upon McClernand and Wallace. Upon Grant's arri- 
val he conducted a retreat to the river brink where, with the 
aid of gunboats, they maintained this final stand until Buell and 
his fresh army came rushing upon the bloody field. Grant was 
now able to pursue the enemy, which retired to,ward Corinth. 
The Illinois troops engaged in this contest were the 7th, 8th, 
9th, nth, I2th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 2Sth, 29th, 30th, 
31st, 32d, 40th, 41st, 42d, 43d, 45th, 46th, 48th, 49th, 50th, 52d, 
55th, 57th, 58th and 6 1 St. After the battle Governor Yates 
hastened to the scene of action, where he directed, in person, the 
care of our wounded and dying. He thus earned the admiration of 
the troops and gained the sobriquet of " The Soldiei"'s Friend." 

Railroad Destroyed. — The 19th and 24th infantries 
from Illinois joined an expedition under General Mitchell, and 
destroyed the Memphis & Charleston Railroad to prevent sup- 
plies and recruits from being transported to Corinth. 

Fariiiiiig'ton. — In the capture of Farmington, May 3, the 
loth, 16th, 2 2d, 26th, 27th, 42d and 47th, were engaged. 

Corinth. — The Illinois regiments brought into action in the 



STATE PERIOD. 239 

siege of Corinth were the yth, loth, iith, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 
17th, iStli, 22d, 26tli, 27th, 2Sth, 29th, 3otli, 31st, 34th, 35th, 
3Sth, 41st, 42d, 43d, 45th, 46th, 47th, 48tii, 51st, 52d,53d, 55th, 
57th, 60th, 64th and 66th. The FederaUsts were commanded 
by General Halleck who departed soon after this engagement 
to assume the office of commander of the Eastern armies, and 
Grant succeeded to the command of the Western forces. (See 
U. S. history.) 

In the second engagement at Corinth the 7th, 9th, I3th, 2Sth, 
32d, 41st, 50th, 52d, 53d, 56th, and 57th, of lUinois, were 
brought into action. (See U. S. history.) 

Perryville. — The battle of Perryville was fought October 
8, the commanding officers being Bragg of the Confederates 
and Bucll of the Federals. The latter w^as soon afterward suc- 
ceeded by Rosecrans because he allowed the enemy to escape 
with plunder gathered in Kentucky. The Illinois troops were 
the 19th, 21st, 24th, 25th, 35th, 36th, 3Sth, 39th, 42d,44th, 5Sth, 
59th, 73d, 74th, 75th, 80th, 85th, S6th, 8Sth, 1 33d and 1 25th. Of 
the Fifty-ninth Illinois almost one-half were killed, and of the 
Seventv-fifth one-third lost their lives. (See U. S. history). 

Murfreesboro. — In the desjDcrate battle of Murfreesboro, 
December 31, the 19th, 35th, 44th, 51st, 59th, 73d, 75th, 85th 
and SSth were among the Illinois troops. The Union troops 
w^ere commanded by Rosecrans and the Confederates by Bragg. 
The latter were repulsed with great loss. (See U. S. history.) 

First Vicksburg' Expedition. — This year an attempt 
was made by General Grant to capture Vicksburg, but he was 
repulsed in what was known as the first expedition, through a mis- 
understanding of orders. In this campaign the Illinois regiments 
more particularly active were, the 13th, 17th, iSth, 43d, 55th, 
77th, 97th, io6th, io8th, 113th, ii6th, ii8th, 119th, i22d, 126th 
and 131st of the infantry, and the 2d, 3d, 4th, i ith and 15th of 
the cavalry. (See U. S. history.) 

Unruly Legislature. — The State election of this year 
gave a Democratic majority of 16,000, and both branches of the 
Legislature were in their hands. The General Assembly con- 
vened Januarv 5, and was from the first a stormy one. Upon 
the Democratic members rests the blame. Instead of approach- 



HIS'lOUS' OK ILLINOIS. 



ing important questions like men of judgment should do and 
taking legislative action as they believed right, they staved off 
all business to prevent exorbitant appropriation bills from pass- 
ing, and by the Republicans getting a steal on them a warm 
contest followed. Matters assumed such phases that neither 
party v^^as \villing to concur with the other. 

Party Animosities. — After the Legislature adjourned 
meetings were held in various parts of the State by Douglas 
Democrats who asserted their disapproval of organizing for a 
peace convention, and also expressed a willingness to conquer 
the South since hostilities had begun. This half-way step, how- 
ever, was not received in the spirit it was intended. The bitter 
feeling already kindled knew no bound and political parties in 
Illinois could not be reconciled. Arrests were made for alleged 
hostile actions toward the Government, that in times of peace 
would not be noticed. The Chicago Times was placed under 
military authority June i, 1S63, no issue being allowed until 
mob violence was threatened and President Lincoln had revoked 
the order. This was done in compliance with a petition from 
the more thoughtful Republicans of Chicago. 

Special Legislative Session assembled in June, when 

the most important bill that called forth a clamor was that of 
the armv appropriatoin of $100,000 besides a $50,000 appropri- 
ation bill. For the distribution of the former a commission of 
three was appointed by the House. When this bill reached the 
Senate the names of the Governor and Treasurer were added. 
This change was effected on the 8th, in the absence of three 
Democrats, one having died, and upon which day they agreed to 
adjourn. When the motion for adjournment was sent to the 
House, it was amended by inserting June 20, but to this the 
Senate would not agree. Under the Constitution the Governor 
had power to name a day for final adjournment, when the 
two branches disagreed upon a date. He thus used his power 
for a political purpose and prevented further legislation. This 
was the last Democratic Legislature to date. 

Democrats Aroused. — The above proceeding so irri- 
tated Democrats throughout the State that a great mass meeting 
was called, at which over 40,000 persons assembled. Every- 



STATE PERIOD. 23I 

thkag' passed off quietly and a set of grievances was passed, the 
substance of which w as for peace, rather than rebelhon or tyr- 
anny, the arrest of citizens illegally, the banishment of Valland- 
ingham of Ohio; and at the same time denounced fanatic influ- 
ences that were preying upon the minds of a frenzied people. 

:o: 



1863. 

No new regiments were mustered into service from Illinois 
■during this year, but the Fourteenth and Fifteenth cavalries 
w^ere first thoroughly organized and equipped for service. 

Second Vicksbiirg- Expedition. — The first important 
engagement of this year in which Illinois troops conspicuously 
performed their part, was the second siege of Vicksburg, May 
to July 4. Of those present from Illinois were the Sth, nth, 
13th, 14th, 17th, 20th, 23d, 25th, 2Sth, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32d, 
33d, 35th, 38th, 41st, 45th, 46th, 47th, 48th, 51st, 53d, 55th, 57th, 
63d, 72d, 75th, 76th, 77th, Sist, 93d, 95th, 97th, 99th, loSth, 
113th, 114th, 1 1 6th, 118th, 1 20th, 124th, 126th, 127th and 131st 
infantries, the 2d, 3d, 6th and 7th cavalries. The cajDture of 
this city was one of the most important efforts in the career of 
General Grant. (See U.S. history.) 

The Battle of Cliickaniaugra was fought Septem- 
ber 19 and 20, by Rosecrans in command of Union troops, and 
Bragg in command of Confederates. Rosecrans succeeded in 
driving his adversary from Chattanooga and, supposing him to be 
on a long retreat, was in hot pursuit, with his army scattered 
over a district forty miles in length, when the enemy, with rein- 
forcements and a concentrated army, wheeled about and drove 
his army from the field; but on the following day the Union 
forces gained a decided advantage and Bragg withdrew to Chat- 
tanooga, Illinois soldiery was represented by the 10th, i6th, 
19th, 21st, 22d, 24th, 25th, 27th, 34th, 35th, 36th, 3Sth, 42d, 
44th, 51st, 73d, 74th, 75th, 78th, 79th, Soth, 84th, 85th, S6th, 
S8th, 89th, 92d, 9Sth, looth, 104th, iioth, ii6th, 123d, i2t;th 
and 127th infantries. (For further information see U. S. history.) 

Lookout Mountain and Missionary Kidge. — 



232 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Grant now took charge of Rosecrans's army ; recinjits under 
Hooker came from the East while Sherman arrived from the 
South. Two desperate battles were fought: the first, September 
24 on Lookout Mountain ; the second, on the following day on 
Missionary Ridge, resulting in a Union victory. The Illinois- 
troops in these engagements were the 12th, T9th, 22d, 26th,, 
27th, 34th, 35th, 42d, 44th, 4Sth, 51st, 59th, 6oth,63d, 73d, 75th, 
79th, Soth, 84th, S6th, SSth, S9th, 93d, loist, 104th and 115th. 
(For general account see U. S. history.) 



-:o:- 



1864. 

At the outset of this year's campaign Grant was placea in 
command of all the Union forces and in consequence Sherman 
was placed in charge of the Western forces. 

Confederates at Chicago. — A number of Southern 

leadei"s had wended their way northward when the war began 
drawing to a close. At Chicago a deep laid scheme was ar- 
ranged by which the Confederate prisoners at Camp Douglas 
were to be freed and then, in consequence, a rebellious army 
formed. After the plot had been detected stores of arms were 
found which proved that the design was of no small pretension. 
March to the Sea.— General Sherman, seeing the way 
open, collected an army of about 100,000 able men and started 
for the Southern Atlantic shores, layifig waste the most beauti- 
ful of the enemy's country. He broke off from all communica- 
tions at Nashville, November 16. The Illinois regiments that 
were with him and played prominent parts in the battles of 
Rocky Face, Resacca,^ New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Atlanta and Jonesboro, were the 9th, 12th, i6th, 26th, 27th, 
30th, 31st, 32d, 35th, 3Sth,44th, 4Sth, 51st, 52d, 53d, 55th, 59th, 
60th, 64th, 65th, 73d, 74th, 75th, 79th, Soth, 84th, S6th, 88th, 
S9th, 92d, 98th, loist, io2d, 104th, 105th, 107th, iiith, ii2th, 
115th, 127th and 129th. Also the 7th, loth, 14th, 15th, 20th, 
34th, 40th, 41st, 45th, 50th, 56th, 57th, 63d, 66th, 78th, 82d, 
S5th, 90th, 93d, 103d, iiotlv ii6tb and 125th accompanied the 
expedition. 



STATE PERIOD. 333 

Sherman's march to the sea virtually ended the engagements 
in which Illinois troops took an active part. A few were dis- 
charged in 1S64, others in 1S65 and several regiments retained 
until in 1S66. The limit of this work confines us to a few pages 
for a description of the Great Rehellion, that would take vol- 
umes to tell the story of how the "Noble Sons of Illinois " sac- 
rificed their lives. 

Hood's Army Allllillilated. — The march to the sea 
was aided to a great extent by the veteran, General Thomas, 
who was left to guai'd the road for supplies and recruits. By 
skillful managing he succeeded in completely annihilating Hood's 
army, long the dread of Sherman. This was accomplished in a 
battle at Nashville, Tennessee, in which the 38th, 42d, 44th, 
47th, 4Sth, 49th, 51st, 59th, 65th, 72d, 73d, 74th,79th, Soth, SSth, 
89th, 107th, ii2th, 114th, 115th, 117th, 119th and I22d infant- 
ries served and several times bravely withstood a severe encoun- 
ter, sustaining great loss. 

Election. — The Republican State convention met at Spring- 
field, May 25, 1864, and nominated a ticket that corresponds 
to the head of the following administration. The Democrats 
did not hold their convention until September 6, when the fol- 
lowing ticket was nominated: Governor, John C. Robinson; 
Lieutenant-Governor, S. Corning Judd ; Secretary of State, Will- 
iam A. Turney; Auditor, John Hise; Treasurer, Alexander 
Starne; Superintendent of Public Instruction, John P. Brooks. 
The election in November gave the Republican ticket a ma- 
jority of over 30,000. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Richard Yates, eleventh Governor of Illinois, was born 
January 18, 1818, at Warsaw, Kentucky. His father removed to 
Illinois when Richard was thirteen years old and settled at Island 
Grove, Sangamon County. Young Yates early took to books, 
and entered Illinois College, Jacksonville, where he graduated in 
his nineteenth year at the head of his class. After this he de- 
voted himself to the study of law, and as soon as admitted to the 
bar his oratory gained him distinction, becoming well known in 
political circles. He was frequently sent to the Legislature. Al- 



234 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

though a Whig and in a Democratic county (Morgan, his home 
being Jacksonville) he was usually elected with a respectable 
inajoritv. In 1S50 he was elected to Congress, his opponent 
being Major T. L- Harris whom he defeated, though a popular 
candidate; two years later he was elected over John Calhoun, 
but in 1S54 was defeated by Major Harris. 

As chief executive he was fearless and daring. In his canvass 
in 1S60 for this office he entered all parts of the State and de- 
livered addresses in opposition to John A. Logan and other 
Democrats noted for their radical views. In after years Gov- 
ernor Yates became addicted to habtis not in the least befitting 
man and especially one of his former standing. All the good 
he ever did as to his life being a fitting example is thus cancelled 
because of bowing to passion. 

Ulysses S. G-railt, hero of the Great Rebellion, deserves 
mention among the prominent people of Illinois. The fame and 
life of this well-known man are those of a soldier. Lincoln and 
Douglas furnished powerful reasoning faculties upon theories for 
settling an important dispute, but a military leader was found nec- 
essary to call the nation to order — another Illinois son was ac- 
cordingly commissioned. 

Matthew and Priscilla Grant arrived with a Pilgrim company 
that settled in Massachusetts in 1630. They chose their home 
four miles from Boston where the latter died, leaving four chil- 
dren. In 1634 Matthew moved to Windsor, Connecticut. He 
had a son Noah, and a grandson Noah (Jr.). The latter of these 
descendants served in the French and English war ( 1754-63) and 
lived for a time in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, where 
Jesse Root Grant was born in January, 17S4. The father, 
Noah Grant, Jr., with a large family settled in Columbia County, 
Ohio, where the mother died. In iSoS Jesse went to live with 
Judge Todd, at Youngstown, and two years later went to 
Mayesville, Kentucky, where he learned the tanner's trade. In 
1 82 1 he married Hannah Simpson of Point Pleasant, Ohio, where 
he had opened a tannery on his own responsibility a few years 
previous. Here Ulysses S. was born, April 27, 1S22. The fol- 
lowing February the parents moved to Georgetown, the father 
continuino- in his former vocation. 



STATE PERIOD. 



=35 



The boyhood of Ulysses was w ithout event worthy of note. 
He was only ordinarily studious or bright, but early developed 
an interest in horses, and became a graceful rider. The father 
was frequently puzzled as to the best means to pursue that his 
boy might be able to earn a livelihood. He was handy with a 
team, and after the age of fifteen saw but little of the school- 
room. When " trade " was named to him he manifested such 
disgust, and especially for the tanning business, that the father 
inquired what occupation he would rather follow. He said, 
■" I should like to be a farmer, or a river trader, or have an edu- 
cation." The father had often listened to war stories told by his 
father (Noah), and believed that he would rather see his son in 
a military school, and where he could be educated free of ex- 
pense to himself. The Congressman from his district had no 
vacancy, but recommended Ulysses to a neighboring Congress- 
man who secured his appointment after a satisfactory examina- 
tion. The boy having never manifested any extraordinary abil- 
ity, and being odd in appearance, the neighbors sneered, won- 
dered and commented upon the seemingly mistaken step. 

At West Point he made no mark of distinction and ranked 
twenty-one in a class of thirty-nine. He attracted no attention 
from his professoi^s save his masterly power over horses, being 
able to ride those that most other cadets were afraid to ap- 
proach, and chose one to ride, York, that no others wanted. 
On military examination day before the board of examiners, 
he, with this animal made a leap, six feef three inches, over a 
pole — the best leap on record at West Point Academy. Here 
he graduated June 31, 1S43, On entering this school his 
name was changed from Hiram Ulysses to Ulysses Simpson 
through a mistake of the Congressman, and the mistake has 
never been rectified. 

He was stationed at St. Louis as Second-Lieutenant soon after 
graduating, and when war with Mexico broke out was sent to 
the front and there promoted to First-Lieutenant. 

August 22, 1S4S, Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant was married to 
Miss Julia B. Dent, of St. Louis, with whom he had become 
acquainted while in that city before the war with Mexico. He 
remained in the standing army and was stationed at Detroit, 



236 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

where he lived until 1850, when he broke up housekeeping, his 
wife going to her parents and he soon after to California, where 
he was promoted to a captaincy. Here he took to drink and, 
upon hearing the rumor that he was to be discharged, resigned 
and arrived in New York City penniless, degraded, forsaken 
and without employment. He wrote to his father at Coving- 
ton, Kentucky, and his brother Simpson came to his relief. 
Mr. Dent gave his daughter, Mrs. Grant, a farm near St. Louis, 
where Captain Grant erected a log cabin and began the career 
of a farmer. He named the place Hardscrabble, which he soon 
sold, moved to the city, began the real estate business, did not 
succeed and again returned to his father as a failure in all he 
undertook and in governing his passions. 

His brothers, Orvill and Simpson, were in the tanning business 
at Galena, Illinois, where Ulysses, with his family, moved in 
i860, and took a position as clerk for the firm, receiving $50 per 
month. He did not make expenses until his salary was raised 
to $800 a year. 

Politically he was a Democrat, and voted for James Buchanan, 
the only time he ever cast a vote for President previous to the 
Rebellion. He had learned somethmg of slavery through his 
wife, and while on her farm in Missouri kept slaves about him, 
but his views were suddenly changed upon the subject, probably 
through the influence of his father and brothers who had united 
with the Republican party, or possibly the bitter antipathy the 
South manifested toward Mr. Lincoln induced him to embrace 
his cause. 

When war broke out he presided at the first meeting in Gales- 
burg to raise a company, but another was chosen Captam. 
Through the mfluence of Elihu B. Washburn Captam Grant 
w^as given a military clerkship in the Governor's office in i860. 
Here he was not changed from his position until after a clerk 
from Galena chanced to be in the office, when he was asked, 
"What kind of a man is this Captain Grant? He seems anx- 
ious to serve, though reluctant to take any high position." The 
clerk said, " The way to deal with him is to ask no questions, 
but order him and he will obey." Shortly after the Twenty- 
first Illinois, from east of Decatur, refused to obey orders of its 



STATE PERIOD. 237 

Colonel and Governor Yates appointed Grant its commander. 
From this forward he rose ripidly. He was made a Brigadier- 
General in July, 1 86 1, and later was made commander of the 
district of West Tennessee. Advancing his forces up that river, 
he fought the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7. He was second 
in command to General Halleck during the siege of Corinth, 
and when the latter was ordered to Washington, Grant was ap- 
pointed to take command of the department of Tennessee. He 
captured Vicksburg, July 4, 1S63, and after the partial defeat 
of the Union troops under General Rosecrans, Chattanooga. 
In March, 1S64, President Lincoln appointed him Lieutenant- 
General and conferred upon him the powers of General-in- 
Chief of the vast armies in the field, and April 9, 1S65, Lee sur- 
rendered to him with his entire command at Appomattox Court 
House, Virginia. July 35, 1 866, Congress having created the 
grade of General of the army, hitherto unknown to the United 
States armies, he was commissioned General the same day, and 
Major-General Sherman promoted to be Lieutenant-General. 
During President Johnson's difficulties. General Grant served 
for a short time as Secretary of War, August, 1867, to Febru- 
ary, 1868. 

He was elected President in November, 1868, receiving 214 
out of 264 electoral votes, from the twenty-six States then rec- 
ognized as belonging to the LTnion. His administration upon 
the whole was satisfactory, and in 1872 he was elected and 
served a second term. Dissatisfaction having arisen because of 
tvrannical treatment of the South, a branch of his party known 
as Liberal Republicans nominated Horace Greeley for President 
in 1872, who was also nominated by the Democrats. Grant 
received 268 electoral votes and Greeley but eighty though his 
popular majority was only 762,991. Because of financial dis- 
satisfaction during his second term the Greenback party was 
organized. General Grant lost much honor by accepting the 
position of President. He had been trained a soldier, not a 
statesma!^^, and for his success as a General he was loved and es- 
teemed by his country; for such he was honored by nations 
through which he passed on his tour around the world, upon 
which he started March 4, 1877, returning in 1880, when he was 



238 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

again a candidate for re-nomination as was James G. Blaine for 
the same position. So determined was eacli faction that both 
men were dropped and the party united on James A. Garfield. 

General Ulysses S. Grant retrieved much lost honor dur- 
ing his protracted illness, and upon his death at Mt. McGregor, 
July 23, 18S5, the Nation bowed reverently, and in full gratitude 
for his heroic services. Business was practically suspended in 
New York on the day of his funeral, and citizens followed his re- 
mains, with the President, Governors, soldiers, officers, and dis- 
tinguished friends from all parts of the United States, in mighty 
procession to their temporary resting place, near which a hand- 
some monument would soon be under course of erection. Illinois 
offered to erect a costly monument by President Lincoln's tomb, 
Springfield, but the family preferred his burial near their in- 
tended future home. Riverside Park, upon the beautiful Hud- 
son, was accordingly chosen. 

Jollll PoX)e» General and commander of the Army of the 
Potomac, was born at Kaskaskia, March 12, 1823. His father 
was the renowned Nathaniel Pope, who took much pleasure in 
the education of his son. Young Pope early took an in- 
terest in military literature and secui'ed an appointment to West 
Point Academy, from which he graduated with honors in 1842. 
He was also a hero of the Mexican War. 



OGLESBY'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION 1865-1869. 



Governor, .... Richard J. Oglesby. 

Lieutenant-Governor, ... William Bross. 

Secretary of State, ... Sharon Tyndale. 

Auditor, - . - - O. H. Miner. 

rT^ { to 1867, - - Tames A. Beveridg^e. 

1 reasurer, -^ , ^, " -^ ^ a^- c -tu 

' I from " - - George VV . Smith. 

Supt. of Public Instruction, - - Newton B^iteman. 

e . V- ■ f j 24th House, - - Allen i^ Fuller. 

" I 25th " - - , Franklin Corwin. 

TT -^ 1 ci-. .. o ^ i E.L., — 1861-67, Lyman Trumbull. 

United States Senators, •{ ' <-,^, ^" t> • 1 i ^^ ^ 

_^ I T.L., — 1665-71, Richard 1 ates.- 

14 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1865, 2,141,510. 



STATE PERIOD-. 239. 

The first session of the Twenty-fourth General Assembly con- 
vened January 2, 1S65. The first act was the election of a 
United States Senator, which resulted in the choice of Richard 
Vates over James C. Robinson by sixty-four to forty-three. 
Mr. Oglesby was inaugurated January 16. 

President Lincoln Assassinated. — April 9, 1S65, 

Lee surrendered, and the war of the Rebellion, in which the 
State had expended over $1 1,000,000 and had furnished 200,000 
men, was terminated. Troops were returning to their homes 
when the startling and sad news of that "memorable 15th day 
of April " reached Illinois announcing the asKissination of Pres- 
ident Lincoln. This deed was committed by John Wilkes Booth, 
a noted actor, while the President and his wife were seated in 
a private box at Ford's theatre, Washington. When the assas- 
sin had accomplished his purpose, and as he jumped upon the 
stage, shouted, " Sic semper tyrannis [thus be it ever with ty- 
rants], the South is avenged." He escaped from the building, 
but was traced to a barn in Maryland where he was shot by the 
party in pursuit. 

Every pulsation of the wounded President was closely watched 
by prominent men of a spell-bound nation until the dawn of 
morning, when the patient expired; The remains were brought 
to Springfield and laid to rest with imposing ceremonies, within 
a handsome monument, in Oak Ridge cemetery where now 
also repose the mortal remains- of his wife and three sons. 

New State House. — In this administration a bill was 
introduced in the Legislature for the erection of a new State 
house. Peoria and Decatur became Springfield's warm contest- 
ants for the contemplated new edifice. The entire latter city 
labored in common. To overcome an argument that hotel ac- 
commodations were not good the Leland was built; to outdo 
other subscriptions a large amount was obligated, and to con- 
vince members of the Legislature that the citizens were sociable 
the city ladies gave parties and balls. Sangamon County agreed 
to give $200,000 for the old building to use for a court house, 
while Springfield increased this amount to $450,000. The bill 
finally passed as the city had desired, and the State agreed to 
appropriate $3,000,000. In. this structure Illinois may justly 



240 HISTORY OF rtLINOrS. 

pride herself, and now that it will soon be completed she can 
favorably compare it with like structures of the Union. 

Election. — The Republican State Convention met at 
Peoria, May 6, 1868, and a ticket was nominated that corre- 
sponds with the head of the following administration. 

The Democratic Convention was held at Springfield, April 
15, and resulted as follows: Governor, John R. Eden; Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, William Van Epps; Secretary of State, Gus- 
tavus Van Hooi'becke; Auditor, John R. Shannon; Treasurer, 
Jesse J. Phillips. The result of this election was strongly in 
favor of the Republicans. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Richard J. Oglesby, twelfth Governor of Illinois, was 
born in Oldham County, Kentucky, July 25, 1824, and was left 
without parents in 1832. Four years later he arrived with an 
uncle at Decatur, where he grew to manhood. He early devel- 
oped an ardent love of sport and spent many hours of his youth 
in tests of strength, agility or ingenuity with " the boys." He 
took a fancy to law but did not make much advancement in the 
profession until he grew older. 

When war with Mexico broke out he enlisted and was ap- 
pointed First Lieutenant of Company C, Fourth Illinois In- 
fantry, distinguishing himself in the battle of Cerro Gordo. 
After returning home he attended law lectures at Louisville, 
Kentucky, but in 1853 " took the gold fever " and went to Cal- 
ifornia to seek a fortune. Greatly desiring to see more of the 
world, he set out, in 1856, to visit Europe and the Holy Land. 
On returning in 1858 he ran for Congress but was defeated by 
the same opponent that he in turn defeated in 1864. In 1S60 
he was elected State Senator, but when war broke out enlisted 
and was appointed Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry, the 
second regiment raised in the State. In the battle of Corinth 
he was dangerously wounded, being shot through the lungs. 
For his gallantry he was promoted, but because of his wound 
he was compelled to abandon active service. 

His term as Governor was satisfactory, and he was elected 
to the same honorable position four years later, but a few days 



STATE PERIOD. 24I 

subsequent to taking the oath of office was elected United States 
Senator. He is to-day (i8S6) filling the Gubernatorial chair, 
being yet hearty and in the enjoyment of good health. 



PALMER'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1S69-1S73. 



Governor, .... John M. Palmer. 

Lieutenant-Governor, - - . John Dougherty. 

Secretary of State, ... Edward Rummel. 

Auditor, .... Chas. E. Lippincott. 

Treasurer, .... Erastus N. Bates. 

Sypt. of Public Instruction, - - Newton Bateman. 
Attorney-General, ... Washington Bushnell. 

o , r ( 26th House, - - Franklin Corwin. 

speaker ot | ^^^^^ ^^ _ _ William M. Smith. 

( E.L., — 1S67-73, Lyman Trumbull. 

United States Senators, •< j 1S65-71, Richard Yates. 

I ''^•^•'1 1S71-77, John A.Logan. 

19 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1870, 3,539,891. 

The Twenty-sixth General Assembly met January 4, and 
General Palmer was inaugurated January 11. 

InilUllierable Bills were under preparation to be placed 
before the Legislature, and on its opening 2,500 were I'eady. 
Of this number 1,700 were passed for the Governor's signature. 
Knowing the efforts monopolists were putting forth to secure 
legislation in their favor, and with what recklessness bills were 
being passed. Governor Palmer resolved to scrutinize each. To 
give him time for this the Legislature took a recess. Whenever 
a bill of any importance came up the word was, " The Governor 
has his eyes open and will see the flaw if any can be found." 

Constitutional Convention. — On the 13th of Decem- 
ber, 1869, delegates from each of the districts met in Conven- 
tion and framed the Constitution as it now stands. 

Chicago in Flames. — On the evening of October 8, 
1871 (Sunday), a woman, having to milk at a late hour, took a 
lamp to the stable with her. By some mishap — the story goes 
the cow kicked — the lamp was overturned ; the hay caught fire, 
then the stable; the blaze spread to adjoming stables, sheds and 



342 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

houses, kindling one of the greatest conflagrations recorded in 
any city's history. A gale was blowing from the southwest; 
there had been a prevalent drouth for some time, and the section 
from which the fire originated was filled with light frame 
structures, all of which were favorable for a rapid advance of the 
flames. The starting point was in the vicinity of Koven and 
Jefferson streets in the West Division, and in the southwest 
quarter of the city, the general advance being in a northeasterly 
direction. They leaped across the river about midnight. The 
fire fiend then advanced in a majestic column, flanked on the 
right and on the left by lesser columns a little in the rear. 

The Chamber of Commerce was burned about i o'clock and 
the court-house followed shortly after. Prisoners confined in 
the basement of the latter, having been freed to save their lives, 
showed their gratitude — or depraved natures — by plundering a 
jewelry store near by. The great bell in the dome went down, 
down, sounding its own death knell as it fell, and at about the 
same hour, 3 o'clock, the large gasometer exploded with terrific 
violence. The Times and Tribune buildings, Crosby's magnifi- 
cent opera house, Sherman, Tremont and Palmer hotels, Union 
Bank, Merchants' Insurance building, office of the Western 
Union Telegraph, postoffice, McVicker's Theatre and numer- 
ous other so-called fire-proof edifices crumbled and succumbed 
before the furnace heat of advancing flames. Not less than $2,- 
000,000 worth of treasure was destroyed in the postofiice vaults. 

While the people in the North Division were gazing upon the 
burning dome of the court-house, expressing sympathy for the 
pitiable condition of the wretched and their homeless friends, they 
were suddenly awakened to a sense of their own peril — the fire 
by unaccountable means reached the engine house of the water- 
works, thus cutting off that means of fighting the conflagration 
and hemming in a vast region, with fi]"e on the north and fire on 
the south. The flames swept on till they spent themselves on 
the north ; were stopped by the beach along the lake, and 
were arrested from going farther southward by blowing up 
buildings. It is said this work was superintended by General 
Sheridan. Only two buildings, Lind's block, a brick edifice with 
iron shutters standing by itself in the South Division, and the 



STATE PERIOD. 243 

residence of Mahlon Ogden in the North Division, were left in 
alt the scourged region. 

No language is adequate to describe the horrors and misery 
of the night of the Sth and the following day. A hundred- 
thousand people were driven from their homes to escape, if pos- 
sible, the mad seething fire only to be impeded by the equally 
mad and frantic throng. In the vicinity of Griswold, Quincy, 
Jackson and Wells streets, where povert}', misery and vice were 
heaped together in squalid, rickety houses, the scene was appall- 
ing: people rushing half -clad through the streets; curses, pray- 
ers, shouts, screams and rude merriment blending weird sounds; 
stores and saloons throvs^n open by owners or broken into by des- 
peradoes. Here they fought over spoils until driven onward by 
approaching fire, then rushed into a swaying crowd crazed 
with excitement or liquor, only to increase the horror of the 
surroundings. A little girl with flowing golden hair was noticed 
running through the streets calling for her parents. Her hair 
caught fire, when some demented creature threw a glass of 
liquor upon her, which immediately flashed up enveloping the 
tiny form in a blue flame. 

The lowest figure at which a hack or conveyance could be 
obtained was $io, and reaching as high as $50. It not unfre- 
quently happened, even at the last price, a driver would start 
with a load of articles, drive a short distance, then stop and in- 
crease the price or demand immediate payment. If the demand 
w^as not complied with, off went the goods into the street to be 
pillaged by " roughs," trampled under foot, or consumed by the 
flames. Occasionally the owner brought the heartless driver to 
a sense of his duty by displaying a revolver. E. I. Tinkman, 
cashier of one of the banks, paid an expressman $1,000 for con- 
veying a box, containing valuables worth $600,000 from its 
vault to a depot in the West Division. No law, no order, no 
authority seemed to exist; the police were powerless and terror, 
destruction, avarice and confusion reigned supreme. One 
gentleman relates that he saw a man deliberately set fire to a 
pile of elegant furniture that had been placed in the street. 

The bridges were thronged with every variety of vehicle 
and foot passenger, all bearing stupendous loads. An under- 



244 HISTORV OF ILLINOIS. 

taker, with his employees, was noticed, each carrying a coffin; 
next an Irish woman trudging along leading a goat by one hand 
while with the other she clutched a roll of silk. Occasionally 
an order would be given for a bridge to be turned for the pas- 
sage of a vessel seeking cooler climes, when a cry of indignation 
or despair would go up from the anxious multitude. 

A narrow stretch of shore, bordei-ing upon a portion of the 
lake, protected by a break-water, apparently offered a place of 
refuge. To this many flocked, carrying with them articles of 
every description saved in their hurried departure from burning 
homes. Here a frail woman carrying a sewing-machine; there 
two daughters bearing an invalid and fainting mother; not far 
beyond a girl jealously guarding her small bundle when a ruf- 
fian knocks her down and secures the prize. As the fire ap- 
proaches nearer the crowd upon this narrow strip of land is 
forced into the water, where, by constantly drenching themselves, 
they are enabled to withstand the fierce heat. Many mothers 
thus stood for hours and supported a child above water. 

Along the sandy beach to the northward thousands of rich 
and poor — or all alike poor — took refuge in a similar manner. 
Few were drowned by being crowded beyond their depth. The 
old cemeterv, now a part of Lincoln Park, also offered a retreat 
for at least 30,000 people, who huddled together in this city of 
the dead. Children were there crying for parents, husband 
distracted over the loss of a wife, brother hunting for a sister or 
parents for a child. Here a group of girls weeping for their 
mother who was too ill to be moved and had to be abandoned ; 
there a lady alone with a bundle of fine dresses thrown over her 
arm; close by a banker with bowed head sitting on a grave 
looking into a frying-pan he had unconsciously saved from de- 
struction; a man with an ice pitcher declared it was all he pos- 
sessed in the world, while scores of men, women and children 
were carefully shielding the pet canary, parrot or poodle. 

The prairie west of the city was also thronged by a 
homeless multitude while many took shelter with friends in 
portions not destroyed. At 3 o'clock Tuesday morning came 
a welcome rain. It added to the misery for the time yet it was 
hailed with joy. 



STATE PERIOD. 245 

It is impossible to estimate in reliable figures the loss in 
the conflagration. The total number of deaths is estimated at 
300, but this does not include those resulting from exposure 
at the time. Several cases of suicide and also of insanity were 
resultants. About $195,000,000 in property were consumed, 
on which there was an insurance of $45,000,000. 

?^Iany were the questions on the night of the 8th as to 
whether Chicago would ever recover from such a catastrophe. 
The response of one old gentleman seemed to be the prevalent 
opinion: "Our capital is wiped out of existence. You never 
can get what money is stored up in those vaults. There is 
not one that can stand this furnace heat. Whatever the fire 
consumes to-night is utterly consumed. All loss is total, for 
there will not be an insurance company left to-morrow. The 
trade of the city must go to St. Louis, to Cincinnati and to New 
York, and we never can get hold of It again. Yes sir, this town 
is gone up, and we may as well get out of it at once." 

But the energies of this metropolis soon revived. The Mayor 
telegraphed to neighboring cities for aid, to which they immedi- 
ately responded bv sending bread for the hungry and clothing 
for those who had lost all. The city authorities at once took 
measures for the relief of citizens. Many of the business men 
made arrangements to re-open business at once; some in parts 
of the city not burned, others in temporary buildings on the site 
of their old stands, while others immediately contracted for hav- 
ing their jolaces of business re-built. 

While many insurance companies were totally ruined and 
could only pay a few cents on the dollar, others w^ere able to pay 
the full amount. The State, through the efforts of Governor 
Palmer, also rendered timely assistance by purchasing the Illi- 
nois and Michigan Canal, for which Chicago received about 
$3,000,000, and the canal passed under the State's control. 

Election. — A new national party had sprung up because of 
dissatisfaction with the Republican policy toward the States 
lately in rebellion, }vIissouri becoming the hot-bed of the new 
contest, which State, though Republican, was about to throw 
out the clause that disfranchised Confederates. The party was 
led by Carl Shurz and B. Gratz Brown, in that State, and by 



246 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Horace Greeley, of New York. They called themselves Lib- 
eral Republicans. This faction grew to such an extent ni Illi- 
nois that, by a union with the Democrats, success was almost 
certain. Governor Palmer, Superintendent Bateman, Secretary 
Rummel, and many other office holders and men of promi- 
nence, allied themselves with the new party. A convention was 
held in Springfield, June 26, 1S72, by Democrats and Liberal 
Republicans jointly, in which the following ticket was nomi- 
nated: Governor, Gustavus KoGrner, Ir; Lieutenant-Governor, 
John C. Black, d; Secretary of State, Edward Rummel, 1 r; 
Auditor, Daniel O'Hara, 1 r; Treasurer, C. H. Landphier, d: 
Attorney-General, Lawrence Weldon. 

The Republican convention had been held in May and was 
unanimously successful, the nominees corresponding with names 
at the head of the following administration. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

John M. Palmer, thirteenth Governor of Illinois and 
the well-known careful interpreter of law, was born in Scott 
County, Kentucky, September 13, iSi'j. His father was a 
warm Jacksonian, but noted for his anti-slavery views, from 
whom young Palmer derived his first dislike for the institution. 

In I S3 1 he moved to Illinois with his father and located in 
Madison County. Lentil 1834 his education had been neglected, 
yet he had read much, and on entering college this year at Alton 
began to display talent for books. In the canvass of 1838 he 
made the acquaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, from whom he 
received such inspiration that he resolved to study law, and in 
the following spring entered a law office at Carlinville, at which 
place he began the practice of his profession. 

He was elected Probate Judge in 1842; a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention, in 1S47; State Senator, in 1S52; Chair- 
man of the State Republican Convention at Bloomington, in 
1856; Republican elector for the State at large, in 1S60; Re- 
publican member of the Peace Convention, which met at Wash- 
ington in 1S61 ; Colonel of the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, in 
1S61; Major-General, in 1862; Military Governor of Kentucky, 
in 1865. Thus all through his career important offices have 



STATE PERIOD. 



247 



been opened to him. Thou«ch in later years Governor Palmer 
has refused the nomination for important positions of trust, he 
takes active part in politics and is generally consulted on 
leading questions of dispute or doubt. Since the Greenback 
movement he has been a firm Democrat. His home is in 
Springfield, and he is yet one of the leading law practitioners 
of Illinois. 



OGLESBY AND BEVERIDGE'S ADMINISTRATION. 

— 1S73-1S77. 



Governor. 



to Jan. 

om " 



Lieutenant-Governor, 



23. 1873^ 

( to 1S73, 
\ to 1S75, 
/ from " 



Secretary of State, 

Auditor, 

T, ( to 1S75, - 

1 reasurer, ■{ . „'-" 

' ( from " 

Supt. of Public Instruction, 

Attorney-General, 

o , r \ 2Sth House, 

Speaker of | ^^^j^ 

United States Senators 



•I 



E.L. 
T.L. 



to 1S75, 
from " 



■1873-79. 
-1S71-77, 



Richard J. Oglesby. 

John L. Beveridge. 

John L. Beveridge. 

John Early. 

- A. A. Glenn. 
George H. Harlow. 

Chas. E. Lippincott. 

Edward Rutz. 

Thomas Ridgeway. 

Newton Bateman. 

- S. M. Etter. 
James K. Edsall. 

Shelby M. Cullom. 

Elijah M. Haines. 

Richard J. Oglesby. 

John A. Logan. 



19 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1870, 2,539,891. 

The Twenty-eighth General Assembly, which convened 
January 8, 1S74, v^^as composed of 52 Senators and 159 Repre- 
sentatives. Shortly after assembling. Governor Oglesby was 
elected United States Senator and Lieutenant-Governor Bever- 
idge became his successor by Constitution. 

Statute Revision, to accord with the new Constitution, 
was begun in the early part of the administration. The Com- 
missioners appointed for this work were, Henry B. Hurd, of 
Evanston; W. E. Nelson, of Decatur, and Michael Shaeffer, of 
Salem. The latter two resigned shortly after the work began. 



248 HISTORY' OF ILLINOIS. 

and, as the Legislature made no othei" appointments, the entire 
labor was j^erformed by the former, who completed the revision 
in 1S78. 

Greeilbackers. — The first meeting of this party was held 
at Bloomington in January, 1S73. Having for its object the 
suppression of monopolies, especially the imposition on the part 
of railroad companies, it took the name of Anti-Monopolist 
party; but, upon its beginning to meddle with the money affairs 
of the country, and hoping to help the poor and indebted out of 
their difiiculties, accepted for its name the Rag Baby party. 
From the financial policy of issuing greenbacks in place of Gov- 
ernment bonds it took the name of the Greenback party. 

The pulse of the new party was felt all over Illinois, and in 
the election of 1S74 the independent movement had a marked 
effect on State politics. The Democrats united with them and 
the two succeeded in getting a majority over the Republicans in 
both houses of the Legislature besides electing S. M. Etter, 
Superintendent of Public Instruction. This party merged into 
a labor movement, and unfurled its banners under the leadership 
of Benjamin F. Butler in the campaign of 18S4. 

A Stormy Legislature.- -Although no question of vital 
issue came before this body, the Twenty-ninth General Assem- 
bly became a stormy one with Elijah M. Haines, Speaker, who 
held the balance of power, as he managed to receive favors 
from the RejDublicans on one side and the joint Democrats and 
Greenbackers on the other. The galleries and aisles were con- 
stantly thronged by eager spectators to watch the " circus," as it 
was usually termed. 

Illinois at the Centennial of 1S76, at Philadelphia, 
planned in commemoration of American Independence, mrrde a 
fairly good display in general, and a grand one m tl^e Agricul- 
tural Department by which a medal was awarded to her. The 
close party vote in the Legislature cut her appropriation to but 
$10,000. Subscription papers were circulated, and by private 
contributions the State was fairly represented. Illinois occupied 
a large handsome building erected for the occasion, and this 
building was constantly thronged, especially by industry lovers 
from the Old World. 



STATE PERIOD. 249. 

Election. — In the election of 1S76 the same political spirit 
was manifest that had been in the canvass two years previous, 
but Democrats and Greenbackers could not unite on any officers 
except Governor and Auditor. The Greenbackers met at 
Decatur and nominated for Governor, Lewis Stewart; Lieuten- 
ant-Governor, J. IL Pickrell;, Secretary of State, M. Hooton - 
Auditor, John Hise; Treasurer, H. W. Aspern; Attorney-Gen- 
eral, W. S. McCoy. The Democrats met at Springfield, July 
27, and endorsed the Governor and Auditor nominees of the 
Greenback party, and nominated for Lieutenant-Governor, A. 
A. Glenn; Secretary of State, S. Y. Thornton; Treasurer, 
George Gundlach; Attorney-General, E. Lynch. The Repub- 
lican convention met at Springfield, May 25, and nominated a 
ticket that compares with the head of the following administra- 
tion. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

John L. Beveridg-e, fourteenth Governor of Illinois, 
(accidental Governor), was born in Washington County, New 
York, July 6, 1S24, and moved with his parents to Illinois in 
1842, settling in De Kalb County upon a farm, where he labored 
for a number of years His parents were Scotch Presbyterians, 
and early took much care of their son that he might not be led 
astray. These teachings have remained with him through life 
to the present though he has changed creeds and is now an active 
member of the Methodist church. 

The education of young Beveridge was not collegiate, but 
academic, attending Granville and Mt. Morris seminaries. He 
began life for himself in Tennessee, where he gained a liveli- 
hood by teaching, at the same time devoting his spare moments 
to the study of law. By 1S54 ^""^ ^ad opened a law office in Chi- 
cago, the home of his wife, whom he married in 1848. Pie took 
an active part in the war of the Rebellion, being promoted from 
one rank to another until in 1866 he was mustered out as Briga- 
dier-General. 

The political career of Governor Beveridge was equallv brio-ht. 
He first became Sheriff of Cook County in 1866, then State 
Senator, Congressman and Lieutenant-Governor. His Guber- 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



iiatorial career was a success throughout, and his fame spread 
abroad. He received the appointment of assistant United States 
Treasurer at Chicago, in i88i,frora President Arthur. 



CULLOM'S ADMINISTRATION 1877-1881. 



Governor, ... - Shelby M. Cullom. 

Lieutenant-Governor, ... Andrew^ Shuman. 

Secretary of State, ... George H. Harlow. 

Auditor, .... Thomas B. Needles. 

^ ( to 1870 ... Edward Rutz. 

1 reasurer, ■{ . '^ t u r^ c -u 

' \ from " . - - John C Smith. 

c ^ f T3 ur T ^ f Mo 1879, - S. M. Etter. 

oupt. or rubhc instruction,-; , ,;-" t t~» 01 1 

^ ' I from " - J. P. Slade. 

Attorney-General, ... James K, Edsall. 

o 1 tL \ "^oth House, ... James Shaw. 

Speaker of | ^^^^ ,, ' _ _ Col. W. A. Jones. 

(el 5^^73-79. Richard J. Oglesby. 

United States Senators, -; * '' | 1S79-S5, John A. Logan. 

\ T.L., — 1877-S3, David Davis. 

19 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1880, 3,077,871. 

The Thirtieth General Assembly convened January 3, and 
the incoming Governor was inaugurated January 9. The joint 
Democratic and Greenback vote still held control. 

The Senatorial Contest to fill the vacancy of John A. 

Logan, whose term was drawing to a close, began almost immedi- 
ately after the new Assembly had organized. The vote was 
close and stubborn. John A. Logan became the Republican 
caucus nominee; John M. Palmer, Democratic, and David Davis, 
Independent. The first ballot stood, Logan, 99; Palmer, SS; 
W. B. Anderson, 7; David Davis, 6; 2 members not voting. 
On the twenty-second ballot Palmer's name was withdrawn and 
the result stood, Logan, 99 ; W. B. Anderson, 85, and the re- 
mainder scattering. Logan's name was withdrawn on the 
twenty-fourth, which ballot stood, Davis, 97; C. B. Lawrence, 
S6, and the remainder scattering. On the fortieth ballot, Janu- 
ary 25, Davis received 10 1 votes, and was declared elected. 



STATE PERIOD. 25I 

Medical Practice Act.- -In 1S77 the Legislature 

passed a law prohibiting all those from prescribing who were 
not in possession of a physician's diploma or else had been in 
actual practice ten years before the law took effect. Over 900 
so-called doctors closed their pill-cases or moved to other States, 
The same year a State Board of Health was established. 

Labor Difficulties, in 1S77, assumed a war-like posture. 
The United States was going through a season of " hard times;" 
money was scarce, wages low and work sparing, while confi- 
dence in financial abundance began wavering in the minds of the 
middle class, or operative business men. The laborer, during like 
seasons, always suffers the penalty. This fact was fully realized 
by them at the time, and they had already organized, together 
talked over their grievances and had resolved to act more inde- 
pendent in the future than they had done in the past. A series 
of strikes were accordingly operated. Business suffered a 
stand-still, for the wheels of commerce were blocked. To pre- 
vent its revival before a compromise could be arranged between 
capital and labor,, mobs were organized. At this time the 
country, from the pineries of Michigan to the rice fields of the 
South, from the piers of the East to the fruit orchards of the 
West, was thronged by a "tramp " element of tradesmen and 
foreigners who had grown despondent and hoped to see the 
Union sink rather than float out of the storm into which she 
had unconsciously drifted. This same element now flocked into 
cities, and joining hands for mob violence began the destruction 
■of property, the greater loss being in Pennsylvania. 

At East St. Louis a mob of 10,000 congregated, and 
taking charge of the city, defied the civil authorities. Alton and 
Belleville were also overrun. Governor Cullom visited these 
localities, and with troops under command of Generals Bates and 
Pavy restored order. 

At Chicago, a. C. Ducat was in command. He also called 
upon the Governor for troops to suppress, more particularly, the 
tramp and boy element, which paraded the streets, stopped street 
cars, closed machine shops, unloaded drays and even took 
charge of the river bridges. The presence of troops and arrests 
of several leaders put a stop to further outbreak. 



252 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Other Localities, especially railroad centres and mining- 
districts, were kept under guard of State militia. General Du- 
cat was sent to Braidwood soon after completing his work at 
Chicago, and when within a mile of the town was met by 600 
men, mostly miners. He there halted, with his assailants before 
him. Knowing the Mayor to be in sympathy with the miners^ 
he sent word to him to disperse the mob immediately. His order 
being obeyed no serious results followed. 

Effect. — When the strikers saw where the doubles were 
tending, even the more enthusiastic gradually drifted with the 
public sentiment, \vhich had soon turned against the cause, where 
mob violence became the issue. But to suppress its riots and 
protect property it had cost the State $87,000. The loss by idle- 
ness of men and stagnation of trade is untold. 

Political. — Election of 1S7S. — In the election of 1878' 
the Democrats and Greenback^rs divided, each nominating a 
separate ticket. The candidates were as follows: Republican,, 
for Treasurer, J. C. Smith; Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion, J. P. Slade; Democrat, E. L. Cronkrite, S. M. Etter; 
Greenback, E. N. Bates, F. M. Hall. The former were en- 
tirely successful and secured a majority in both houses of the 
Legislature. The vote for Treasurer stood,, Smith, 206,^^8^ 
Cronkrite, 170,085; Bates, 65,689; Jerome A. Gorin, 2,228. 

United States Senator. — The term of Richard J„ 
Oglesby having drawn to a close, the Thirty-fTrst General As- 
sembly proceeded to election. The caucus nominees were, John 
C. Black, Democrat, and John A. Logan, Republican, the latter 
being successful. 

Election of 1880. — The Democrats nominated for Gov- 
ernor, Lyman Trumbull; Lieutenant-Governor, L. B. Parsons; 
Secretary of State, John H. Oberly; Auditor, L. C. Starkel; 
Treasurer, Thomas Butterworth; Attorney-General, Lawrence 
Harmon. The Greenback party put the following ticket in the 
field: Governor, A. J. Streeter; Lieutenant-Governor, A. M. 
Adair; Secretary of State, J. M. Thompson; Auditor, W. T. 
Ingram; Treasurer, J. W. Evans; Attorney-General, H. G. 
Whitlock. A Republican ticket was nominated and became 
successful. See head of following: administration. 



STATE PERIOD. 253 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Shelby M. Cvilloill, tifteeuth Governor of Illinois, was 
born INovember 32, 1S29, in Wayne County, Kentucky. He, 
as our previous Governor, was the son of a farmer and received 
his early training upon a farm. When he was but one year old 
his father moved to Tazewell county where he received suffi- 
cient education to teach school. In this vocation he saved 
enough money to enable him to attend j\It. Morris Seminary 
two years. He began the study of law in Springfield, reading 
W'ith Stuart & Edwards of that city. In this profession he made 
marked advancement and was elected City Attorney soon after 
being admitted to the bar. He first entered the Legislature in 
1S56, holding to the politics of his father who was a Whig; yet 
he entertained Republican ideas sufficient to enable him to ride 
both horses. In 1S60 he was returned to the Legislature but 
was upon the ticket headed by Abraham Lincoln, with whom 
he often associated, the two becoming warm friends. He was 
elected to Congress in 1S64, 1866 and 1S6S; in which position 
he gained much notoriety, and took an active part in the discus- 
sion of leading questions befoi'e that body. In 1S73 he was re- 
turned to the Legislature and was chosen Speaker of the House; 
also was elected in 1S74 and was the Republican caucus nominee 
for Speaker, but was defeated by E. M. Haines. 

As a Governor, he was firm and clear-headed, always prompt 
in dutv and especially in the riots of 1877. A few days after be- 
ginning his second Gubernatorial term he was elected to the 
United States Senate, which term will not expire until 1889. 
In this capacity Senator Cullom is gaining distinction. 



CULLOM AND HAMILTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

— 1881-1885. 



^ ( to Jan. 1883, - - Shelby M. Cullom. 

(jovernor, j ^^^^ « « . . John M. Hamilton. 

T. ^ ( - - John M.Hamilton. 

Lieutenant-Governor, | ■ _ . \V. J. Campbell. 



254 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Secretary of State, ... Henry D. Dement. 

Auditor, .... Charles P. Swigert. 

T, ( to 1 88^ ... Edward Rutz. 

i reasurer, ■{ . ,, t i r^ c vu 

' I from " - - - John C Smith. 

Sunt, of Pubhc Instruction, -j , ,, t j ' ' r> ' i * 

^ ' I from " - Henry Raab. 

Attorney-General, ... James McCartney. 

o , r i ^2d House, - - Horace H. Thomas. 

Speaker of I ^^^ « - . Lovin C. Collins, Jr. 

!E.L., — 1S79-85, John A. Logan, 

j 1S77-S3, Da\id Davis. 

"^•^•'I 18S5 Shelby M. Cullom. 

19 Representatives in Congress; Population in 1880, 3,077,871. 

The Thirty-second General Assembly convened January 5, 
1 88 1, and remained in session until May 5. A special session 
was called and convened March 23, 1882, the object being to re- 
district the State according to the census of 1880. This session 
lasted but forty-four days. 

The Election of 1882 did not call out a full vote, it being 
an " off year." The following was the result on State ticket: 



TREASURER. SUPT. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

Henry Raab, d 253,145 

Chas. T. Strattan, r. . .250,276 

Frank H. Hall, g 1^,^06 

Elizabeth B. Brown, p 11,202 



John C. Smith, r 250,722 

Alfred Orendorff, d . . . 244,585 
Daniel McLaughlin, g . 1 5,5 1 1 
John G. Irwin, p ii^^SO 



Governor Cullom's Resig-nation. — On expiration of 

the term of David Davis as United States Senator, Governor 
Cullom was elected to fill the vacancy. He received 107 votes 
on the second ballot, and was declared elected. This ballot was 
taken January 17, 1883, and, February 7, he resigned the Gov- 
ernorship of Illinois, when Lieutenant-Governor John M. Ham- 
ilton became Governor. 

Collinsville Kiots. — The miners of Collinsville and 
vicinity organized a strike in 1883 that called out the State mili- 
tia. The proprietor of a mine was imprisoned and threatened 
even with violence. On arrival of troops an engagement ensued 
in which one of the mob was killed. Twenty-six were arrested 
when quiet was again restored. 

Election. — The election of 1884 called forth a full vote. 



STATE PERIOD. 



255 



and each party did all in its power to insure success.. The Dem- 
ocratic State eonvention convened at Peoria, June 2, and the 
following, ticket was selected : Governor, Carter H. Harrison ; 
Lieutenant-Governor, Henry Seiter; Secretary of State, Michael 
Dougherty; Auditor^ Walter E. Carlin; Treasurer, Alfred 
Orendorff; Attorney-General, Robert L. McKinley. In the 
Republican convention a ticket was chosen that con-esponds with 
the head of the following administration. For Presidential vote 
see appendix. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

John M. Hamilton, sixteenth Governor of Illinois, was 
born in 1847, in Union County, Ohio, and moved with his father 
to Marshall County upon a farm, in 1854. I" 1864, when he 
was but seventeen years old, he enlisted and served through the 
remainder of the Rebellion as a private. Immediately after re- 
turning from the war he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University 
at Delaware, from which he graduated in 186S. He then em- 
barked in the profession of teaching school, and was promoted 
to the position of professor of language in the Illinois Wesleyan 
University at Bloomington, at which time he also took a course 
in law in the same institution. After being admitted to the bar 
he formed a partnership with Captain Rowell of that city,, in 
which firm he was an active partner when elected Lieutenaat- 
Governor. He now (1886) resides in Chicagow 



OGLESBY'S ADMINISTRATION.— 1885-1889. 
(Third Term.), 



Governor, .... Richard J. Oglesby» 

Lieutenant-Governor, - - - John C. Smith. 

Secretary of State, ... Henry D. Dement. 

Auditor, .... Charles P. Swigert. 

Treasurer J to 1887 - - - - Jacob Gross, 

lieasuiei, | ^^.^^^^ ,, _ ^ ^ John R. Tanner. 

18S7,. - Henry Raab. 

"■ Richard Edwards. 



Supt. of Public Instruction, \ , 
■^ ' I fro; 



256 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

eneral 
\ 34tl 
I 35tl 



Attorney-General, ... George Hunt. 

Q 1 f \ 34^'^ House, - - • Elijah M. Haines. 
Speaker or -j j_^ ^^ _ 



United States Senators, -I ^' *' 00^ ' ci n a/t o iT' 

I T.L., — 1653 , Shelby M. Cullom. 

21 Representatives in Congress; Population in 18S0, 3,077,871. 

The Thirty-fourth General Assembly convened January 7, 
1SS5, and continued in session until in June. But little business 
of importance was transacted, though much time was occupied in 
political quibbles. Because of this the House was delayed from 
organizing until January 29, and Governor Oglesby was thus 
prevented from taking the oath of office until the following day, 
when Governor Hamilton retired. 

A Leg'islative Circus was opened upon convening of 
the House, which was evenly balanced without the vote of Elijah 
M. Haines, who had been elected on the Democratic ticket but 
gave indications of willingness to serve either party that would 
rally to his desires. 

Secretary of State Dement called the House to order at noon, 
January 7. Political war manifested itself from the first. In a 
ballot for Temporary Speaker the vote stood, for Haines, 76; 
Messick, 74; scattering i. No election was declared and the 
House adjourned until the following day when Haines received 
a majority of one vote. On taking the chair he declared that he 
never before knew of a Temporary Speaker being elected by a 
party vote and as he had received support from the opposite 
party (Sittig, Republican, of Chicago voted for him) he pro- 
posed to act independently from hence forward. 

Charles E. Fuller received the Republican Caucus nomina- 
tion, January 6, for Speaker, and E. L. Cronkrite that of the 
Democratic on the same evening. This procedure had left Mr. 
Haines out as for being a caucus candidate. January 13 a mo- 
tiqn was made to proceed to ballot for Speaker and Clerk. Mr. 
Haines declared the motion out of order. The mover appealed 
from the decision of the chair. Mr. Hainjps declared there was 
nothing before the House. The Temporary Speaker thus de- 
clared himself Speaker of the Thirty-fourth House of Repre- 
sentatives, and from thence forward refused to entertain any 



STATE PERIOD. 



257 



motions on the subject. Warm threats and school-boy broils 
■were the result. Mr. Haines, in person, called upon Secretary 
Dement and demanded the election returns, saying that he would 
citll in the Senate and in joint session expected to canvass the 
A'ote. The papers being refused him, he argued his case, stating 
that he was Speaker, that the House had adjourned over Sunday 
without electing a Speaker and if the acting Governor had died 
during that adjournment he would have become Governor, 
that the House had ordered him to appoint necessary pages, that 
he had been given papers by the Secretary himself that none 
but a Speaker could receive. After consulting leading attorneys 
Mr. Dement refused him the demanded tally sheets. 

Mr. Haines held the chair amid continual turmoil — both parties 
deuiring his vote for United States Senator — until January 21, 
when he bluntly resigned without allowing a ballot, saying that 
neither party appeared to have use for him, that he had intended 
U> vote for a man who would support President Cleveland, but 
tuence forward he resolved to act independently. He retired to 
& private room, when there was a rush for the gavel. It having 
Keen secured by Mr. Ci-onkrite, he was elected Temporary 
Speaker. To keep Mr. Haines in his party he finallj'^ received 
tlje Democratic nomination, and with one vote from the Repub- 
licans was elected to the office he so much desired. 

U. S. Senatorial Contest. — Never before in the history 
ot Illinois have so much time and money been expended in an 
election of United States Senator, as for a successor to John A. 
Logan. The Senate stood. Republicans, 26; Democrats, 25. 
In the House were, RejDublicans, 76; Democrats, 77. In joint 
assembly the vote stood, Republicans, 102; Democrats, 102. 
Necessary to election, 103. 

John A. Logan became the Republican candidate, and Will- 
iam R. Morrison the Democratic. The Democrats began bal- 
loting first, and both parties mustered a test ballot on February 
19, 1S85, that stood, Logan, loi ; Morrison, 94; Haines, 4; 
Ward, I ; Lawler, i ; absent, 3. 

May 5 Representative J. Henry Shaw, Democrat from the 
Thirty-fourth District, died. In the election of his successor the 
Democrats of the district did not believe it necessary to pay 



25S HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

much attention to the election, it being strongly Democratic, and 
after 4 o'clock, p. m., a full Republican vote was polled, when 
W. A. Weaver, their candidate, was elected. This gave the 
Republicans in joint assembly 103 members, and the Democrats 
loi. May 14 Morrison received his full vote (loi), and Logan 
I. By May 19 Weaver was seated, when the final and 120th 
ballot was taken, in which Logan's Republican enemies rallied 
to the cause. This ballot stood, Logan, 103; Judge Lambert 
Tree, 94; scattering, 5. 

Labor Troubles. — East St. Louis. — Because of the 
discharge of an employe of the Southwestern Gould System of 
Railroads a strike was ordered by the Knights of Labor, in the 
spring of 1886, that was carried to East St. Louis. The less 
humane and tramp element believed themselves at liberty to de- 
stroy property and lives, and it was not until the Governor's 
Guards were sent to that city that depredations ceased. 

Chicago. — For some time May i, 1SS6, had been looked to 
as a time for the various labor organizatfons to demand eight 
hours of labor for a day's work, and ten-hours' pay for the time. 
Upon this day the employes in all freight depots and many manu- 
factories, bricklayers, carpenters, lumbermen and numerous 
other laborers of the city, quit work. A few employers con- 
ceded to the demand, others refused and closed their shops. 
But few are working on the eight-hour system at present. Riots 
and a stagnation of trade were the fruits. 

Aliarcbists. — A secret organization has existed for several 
years, in both the Old World and New, that looks to the destruc- 
tion of fortune and the sharing of every man alike in property and 
other possessions. This society, known as Anarchists, also 
advocates the destruction of law, the burning of police stations,, 
libraries and the Bible, also the overthrow of Christianity, Pa- 
ganism, Kingdoms, Republics and States. 

The organization in America was first led by Johann Most, of 
New York, whose literature has been spread broadcast through- 
out the larger cities, where it has been eagerly devoured by 
vicious foreigners and the cast-offs so common in crowded cities, 
too lazy to work and very anxious for all the strong drink 
and tobacco that a toper could imagine. Most's literature advo- 



STATE PERIOD. 259 

catcs revolution and the use of dynamite. In Chicago the or- 
ganization had a membership of over 300, and many sympatliiz- 
ers. The leaders grew bold and often delivered open-air 
speeches, generally depicting the grievances and woes of the 
laboring people. The followers won to their cause were prin- 
cipally Germans, who had refused to become citizens of the 
United States. It appears that branches, called armed sections, 
had been under drill with military arms for some time previous 
to May I, 1886. At this time labor difficulties were to assume 
the most serious aspect, when the civilization destroyers were to 
strike a blow with dynamite bombs. They supposed a bloodier 
revolution than that of France would follow. The working- 
men would be their followers — soldiers would lay down their 
arms and the country would soon be a waste of ruins. The first 
blow was to be struck in Chicago. Police stations were to be 
blown up, banking and other large buildings destroyed, and citi- 
zens that offered a resisting hand, killed. 

On the evening of May 5, a meeting assembled on Haymar- 
ket Square, near the centre of town, with intentions of revenge, 
the participants to come armed. After a course of revolutionary 
speeches had been made and it being a week of organized strikes, 
a body of 160 policemen marched upon the square, commanded 
by Inspector Bonfield. Captain Ward ordered the crowd to 
disperse in the name of the people of Illinois. Scarcely had he 
uttered the words when a dynamite bomb, to which was attached 
a lighted fuse, fell at the officers' feet and exploded. This 
created havoc among the police for a moment, and firing in 
quick succession followed nnmediately thereafter, from the crowd. 
Orders were given to close up ranks, and with drawn revolvers 
the police, not killed or wounded, fired upon their adversaries, 
who rapidly dispersed. Sixty policemen were wounded and 
one instantly killed. Six of the wounded died. 

Wholesale arrests were made, and the Grand Jury brought 
indictments for murder against eight, who appeared to be lead- 
ers. The firm stand of the officers, the prompt action of these, 
thereafter, and the disapprobation by all classes of the city, made 
the act very unpopular and the revolution failed to take place. 
In the trial that followed, twenty-six days were consumed in 



26o HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

selecting a Jury; yet, when finally chosen, and upon hearing 
the testimony, arguments and legal instructions, a verdict was 
rendered a few minutes after retiring. Those sentenced to be 
hanged were — August Spies, editor of the Arbiter-Zeitung; Mi- 
chael Sciiwab, assistant editor of the Arbiter-Zeitung; A. R. 
Parsons, editor of the Alarm; Louis Lingg, bomb manufacturer; 
Samuel Fielden, teamster; George Engel, and Adolph Fischer, 
Oscar Neebe was sentenced to serve in the penitentiary fifteen 
years. A motion was made for a new trial, but refused, and 
December 3, 1SS6, set for the day of execution. At present 
writing it is not known whether the Governor or the Supreme 
Court will interfere or not. 

The state House is finally being completed. In the elec- 
tion of 1S84, $531,000 were voted for this purpose. Quite 
a vigorous fight has been waged by other cities of Illinois for 
the capitol. After $800,000 had already been expended it was 
found that the wing of the building would extend into the street, 
and that ground on the south was not sufficiently large to com- 
plete the building. Peoria at once raised a tumult for the law- 
making institution, agreeing to furnish a very handsome piece 
of ground and pay the expenses already incurred if the capitol 
would yet be located in that city. Pullman cars were furnished, 
and the Legislature visited the site. On their return the leading 
citizens of Sprinfield visited the honorable body and agreed to 
buy the land, which would cost $40,000, when needed to com- 
plete the entrance. 

The amount appropriated being expended in 1877, ^ vote was 
submitted to the people to appropriate more money for its com- 
pletion, which was lost, and thus the matter was allowed to go 
on from year to year until one-half of the forty bondsmen of 
Springfield have died, and most of those living are in limited 
circumstances, but the city has agreed to assume the land debt. 
When completed Illinois can boast of one of the handsomest 
and costliest State houses of the United States. 



APPENDIX. 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



fHE following: is a brief summary of the officers of district, 
... 
township, town, county and State; their principal duties, 
salaries and terms of office. The Government of the 
'^'' United States is vested in three branches — Executive, 
Legislative and Judicial. The former is composed of a Pres- 
ident and his Cabinet officers; the second, a Congress (composed 
of a House of Senators and a House of Representatives), and 
the latter of a Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Illi- 
nois is similar in her Government to that of the National, while 
her county ruling powers are but slightly modified, and is like- 
wise separated into divisions, known as political townships or 
towns, with officers holding certain qualified authority. 

TOWN. 

'Supervisor. 
Town Clerk. 
Assessor. 
Collector. 

Highway Commissioners. 
Constable. 
Justices of the Peace. 

has neither a chief executive nor a 



Town. 



Executive. 



Judicial.- 

The town government 
legislative government. 



EXECUTIVE. 



The Supervisor cares for the poor, attends County Board 
of Supervisors' meetings, acts as treasurer for all town money 
save school and highway funds and files with Town Clerk an 
annual statement of his official receipts and expenditures. 

Note. — In towns of over 4,000 one assistant is allowed with 
full power at Board meetings; in towns of over 6,500 inhabitants 



11 iilbTOUy OF ILLINOIS. 

two Supervisors are allowed. Term, one year. 

The Clerk takes care of all records, books and papers be- 
longing to the town; records the acts of town meetings and also 
meetings of the Board of Auditors, and sends to the County- 
Clerk — before the second Tuesday in August — a list of taxes to 
be levied in the town he represents. Term, one year. 

The Assessor makes an estimate of the value of each per- 
son's property. Term, one year. 

The Collector collects taxes and pays those for school 
purposes to the School Treasurer; those of the road and bridge 
fund to the treasurer of the Highway Commissioners, and those 
for general township purposes to the Supervisor. Term, one year. 

Highway Coinmissioiiers, three in number, give direc- 
tion to Overseers of Highway, levy a poll tax and see that it is 
collected or an equivalent amount in work, lay out new roads 
and divide the town into suitable number of road districts. Term, 
three years. 

The Constable has power to stop all disorderly conduct 
he witnesses and execute orders from the Justice of the Peace. 
Term four years. 

JUDICIAL. 

Each town is entitled to two or more Justices of the Peace 
who try criminal cases when the fine is not to exceed $200, those 
of assault and battery and examine a few cases punishable in peni- 
tentiary, holding the accused by bail or in jail until the meet- 
ing of the Grand Jury. Term four years. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The township election is held on the first Tuesday of April. 
Each officer that handles public money must give a bond of 
double the amount he is supposed to get in his possession. 

The Board of Health consists of the Supervisor, Ass- 
sesor and Town Clerk. 

The Board of Auditors consist of Supervisor, Town 
Clerk and one or more Justices. This Board examines claims 
against the town. 

The Board of Equalization consists of Assessor, Town 
Clerk and Supervisor. It meets on the fourth Monday in June 
and equalizes assessments. 

SCHOOL OFFICERS. 

The smallest political division outside of village corporation is 
a school district. No definite law governs its size, but it should 
contain, outside of cities and villages, four square miles. 



Al'PENDIX. 



School Directors employ teachers (only those bearing 
certificates from the County Superintendent of Schools), fix sal- 
aries and can discharge them for incompetency; visit the school 
and determine rules for its government; select text books; levy 
school tax, and make reports to school treasurer. Term, one year. 

School Treasurer takes care of the money for a speci- 
fied number of districts, and cashes teachers' and other school 
money orders. 

School Trustees each serve a term of three years, being 
elected one each year. This Board has jurisdiction over a town- 
ship (six miles square). 

COUNTY. 



r County Clerk. 
County Treasurer. 
Circuit Clerk. 
Executive. -| State's Attorney. 
Sheriff. 
Coroner. 
Sup't of Schools. 
Board of Supervisors, 
(or Commissioners.) 
County Judge. 
Probate Judge. 
Grand Jury. 
Petit Jury. 



'Government. 



County. 



Leo-islative. 



Judicial.- 

Assistant 
Judicial 



Political Divisions. — Towns. 



The government of the county, as that of State, consists of 
three separate branches — Executive, Legislative and Judicial, but 
the county is void of a chief executive head. 

EXECUTIVE. 

The executive department of a county is vested in a County 
Clerk, Sheriff, State's Attorney, Coroner, Circuit Clerk, Treas- 
urer and Superintendent of Schools. The salaries of officers 
are generally fixed by the County Board (Supervisors or Com- 
missioners), and their terms of office are four years each. 

The County Clerk attends the sessions and keeps a rec- 
ord of the proceedings of the county Board and Court; keeps a 
record of money drawn on the Treasurer; after general elec- 
tions, with two Justices, canvasses the votes returned to him from 
the different precincts in the county and forwards them to the 
Secretary of State; issues marriage license; computes taxes, and 
presides over Board meetings until a presiding officer is elected. 



IV HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Tlie Treasurer keeps an accurate account of his receipts 
and expenditures (for public inspection) of the money belonging 
to the county. This is usually collected by taxes and is only 
paid out as directed by law or orders from the Board. 

The Circuit Clerk attends the sessions of Circuit Court 
of his county and keeps records of its proceedings, cost of suits, 
and receives orders from the court and issues them to the Sher- 
iff. In counties of less than 60,000 inhabitants, he also fills the 
oflice of Recorder of Deeds, which office is separate in 
counties of 60,000 and over. 

State's Attorney (is a county officer who) acts for the 
people against an offender of civil laws. He also acts as attor- 
ney for county officers in suits brought against them pertaining 
to their official duties. 

Tlie SlierifF attends the sessions of Circuit Court and pre- 
serves order; serves writs and subpoenas; arrests for disorderly 
conduct wherever, in his county, he discovers it; takes charge 
of the court-house and jail; conducts condemned prisoners to 
the State penitentiary, and hangs criminals condemned to death. 

Tlie Coroner takes charge of any dead body where the 
person has met death by accident, murder or an unknown cause; 
arrests any person suspected of killing the deceased; acts as 
Sheriff, should that office become vacant or if the incumbent is 
plaintiff or defendant in any suit. 

The Superintendent of Schools visits schools, in- 
structs teachers, looks after the condition of schools; holds insti- 
tutes and teachers' examinations for certificates; decides disputes 
in school law, and reports information to State Superintendent. 

legislative. 
The County Board (Supervisors or Commissioners) 
constitute the legislative department of a county government. 
It provides for the erection of buildings and bridges, cares for 
paupers, etc. Two regular meetings are held each 3'ear — sec- 
ond Monday in July and second Tuesday in September. The 
duty of the chairman is to preside at meetings and appoint com- 
mittees to look after departments in the Board's jurisdiction. 

JUDICIAL. 

The county judicial department is vested in a County Judge 
and a Probate Judge. In counties of less than 50,000 inhabit- 
ants these offices are united imder one man, and he is called 
County Judge and his court County Court. They have origi- 
nal jurisdiction over wills, settlements of estates, guardians of 
minors and conservators of insane; exclusive jurisdiction in sale 



APPENDIX. 



of property for the collection of taxes and over cases brought 
before Justices of the Peace, not exceeding $i,ooo. They have 
concurrent jurisdiction in a few cases; i. e., the case may be tried 
before a Justice, County Judge or a Circuit Judge. 

ASSISTANT JUDICIARY. 

A G-raild Jury is made up of twenty-three jurors whose 
duty is to hear evidence against any person accused of crime, and 
if advisable to a majority, to report to the Circuit Court an 
" indictment," in which the case is described. No evidence in 
defense is heard by them. This body is selected by the County 
Board, and holds ofHce only a sufficient time to hear criminal 
cases for the term of court for which it was chosen. 

The Petit «Tviry tries cases under the direction of the 
Judge, and after hearing the evidence renders a decison, if all 
agree ; otherwise there can be no verdict. Twelve constitute a 
"selected Jury " to try a case. 

STATE. 

Governor. 

Lieutenant-Govei'nor. 

Secretary of State. 

Auditoii 

Treasurer. 

Sup't of Public Instruc'n 

Attorney General. 

Returning Board. 

y -If*, j Senate. 

^ ■( House of Representatives. 

I Circuit Court. 

Judicial. < Appellate Court. 

( Supreme Court. 

T. • T r^rf { Lieutenant-Governor. 

Presidmg Uihcers. .{ o i c 4.\ -lj 

* I Speaker ot the House. 

{ State. United States Senators. 

U. S. Representatives. 



'Government. - 



State. 



Executive. 



Represen'tive 



People. 



State Senators. 

" Representatives. 
Congressional. 
State Senatorial. 

" Representative. 
Supreme Court. 
Appellate " 
Circuit " 

The government of the State (save United States jurisdiction)' 



Political 

Divisions. 



Districts. ' 

Townships. 
Counties. 



VI HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

is vested in three distinct branches — Executive, Legislative and 
judicial. 

EXECUTIVE. 

The executive department consists of a Governor, Lieutenant- 
Governor, Secretary of vState, Auditor of Public Accounts, 
Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Attorney- 
General, who hold office for a term of four years, save the 
Treasurer w^ho can hold office but two consecutive years. They 
are chosen on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in No- 
vember, on the day of the Presidential election, except the Super- 
intendent of Public Instruction who is elected two years later 
on the same day, at which time a new Treasurer is also elected. 

The GrOvei'llOl* executes the laws of the State, sends a 
message to each Legislature, giving the condition of the State 
and recommending new laws or the repeal of old ones; has 
power to veto or sign bills, to reprieve criminals condemned to 
death, to stay sentences and to pardon those in penitentiary. He 
is Commander-in-Chief of the State militia while within her 
jurisdiction, and appoints, liy approval of the Senate, certain State 
officers. Salary, $6,000 a year. Note. — A bill may become a 
law without the Governor's signature by a vote of two-thirds of 
both houses or by his keeping the bill in his possession over ten 
(lays. 

The Lieutenant-Governor presides over the Senate 
and takes the place of Governor should his office become vacant, 
the President of the Senate pro tem. then takes the place of the 
Lieutenat-Governor. 

The Secretary of State calls the House of Represen- 
tatives to order and presides until a Speaker pro tem. is chosen; 
keeps the public laws, cares for the capitol pi'operty, State seal, 
etc. Salary, $3,500 per year. 

The Auditor keeps an account of all indebtedness of or 
to the State, sees that insurance companies abide by the laws, 
computes the rate of taxation, etc. Salary, $3,500 a year. 

Tlie Treasurer receives and safely keeps all money be- 
longing to the State and pays none out without an order from 
the Auditor. Salary, $3,500 a year. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction renders 

decision on school laws, consults the best educational interests of 
the State, and properly disposes of all school money coming into 
his possession. Salary, $3,500 per year. 

The Attorney-Greneral acts as attorney for the people 
or State in suits before the Supreme Coin-t, and for State offi- 
cials in suits relatinsf to theirduties; is also Constitutional adviser. 



APPENDIX. Vll 

The Returning: Board consists of the Secretary of 
State, Auditor, Treasurer and Attorney-General who count the 
votes of general elections as returned to them by County Clerks. 

Officers Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by 
the Senate: 

Three Canal Commissioners, to see to navigation of rivers and 
canals; salary, $5 a day; 

Five Commissioners of Public Charities, to see to asylums and 
homes — no pay save expenses; 

Nineteen Justices of the Peace, for Chicago; salary, fees; 

Three Penitentiary Commissioners, to see to penitentiaries, 
appoint wardens, physicians and chaplains; salarv, $1,500. 

The seven members of the State Board of Health, to prevent 
the spread of contagious disease if possible, etc. Entire salary 
for this board must not exceed $5,000 a year. 

Three Railway and Warehouse Commissioners, to see that 
railways and warehouses are conducted in the best interests of 
the people; salary, $3,500 a year; 

One Grain Inspector, for warehouses; salary, $1,500; 

Three Trustees, for each of the charitable institutions ; no pay ; 

Two Officers, one at the stock yards at East St. Louis and 
one at Chicago, to prevent cruelty to animals; salary, $1,500. 

Officers appointed by the Governor without being confirmed, 
are Commissioners of Deeds, Notary Publics, Printer Expert, 
Public Administrators, Adjutant Generals and all commissioned 
officers of the State Militia. 

LEGISLATIVE. 

The Legislature convenes once in two years, unless called in 
special session by the Governor, on Wednesday after the first 
Monday in January of years whose numbers are even, and in the 
capitol at Springfield. It is composed of a Senate and a House 
<of Representatives. It is the duty of this body to levy taxes, 
make appropriations and enact laws for the welfare of the State; 
to impeach State officers, and to elect United States Senators. 

Tlie Senate is composed of fifty-one Senators, elected from 
the fifty-one districts, chosen for a term of four years and is pre- 
sided over by the Lieutenant-Governor, or otherwise by the 
President pro tempore. Salary, $5 per day and 10 cents mile- 
age; also $50 an assemblv for stamps, paper, etc. 

The House of Representatives is composed of 153 

members (three members from each of the fifty-one Senatorial 
districts) elected for two years, and is presided over by a Speaker 
elected from and by their number on convening. Salary, the 
same as Senators. 



Vlll HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

JUDICIAL. 

The Judicial department of Illinois judges of the Constitution- 
ality of her laws and applies them. It is composed of Circuit, 
Appellate and Supreme courts. 

A Circuit Court is the next higher than a County Court. 
Illinois is divided into fourteen circuits, each one of which has 
three Judges elected for a term of four years, and whose salary 
is $3,500, except in Cook County where it is $7,000. This 
court has jurisdiction over criminal cases and also tries civil cases 
between citizens. 

All Appellate Court is higher than the Circuit, and is 
divided into four districts. Each district has three Judges ap- 
pointed by the Supreme Court from the Circuit Judges, who 
receive the same salary as the latter. Each district has a Clerk 
elected for six years. Nearly all cases except criminal may be 
appealed from a Circuit Court to the Appellate, and its decis- 
ions are final on sums less than $1,000. 

The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over civil cases in- 
volving $1,000 or more, and criminal cases as to appeal. Their 
decisions are final, save where Illinois law conflicts with that of 
the United States. Illinois is composed of three districts for 
holding court, and is presided over by seven Judges, who receive 
$5,000 a year. 

ILLINOIS IN CONGRESS. 

United States Senators are chosen by the Legislature, 
and serve for six years with an annual salary of $5,000 and mile- 
age fee. 

Representatives of Illinois in Congress number twenty, 
and serve a term of two years with a salary the same as Sena- 
tors. Through these delegates the people of Illinois are on an 
equality with the people of this entire Republic, and through our 
Senators Illinois may voice her desired equality with this union 
of States. 

TOWNSHIP. 

When the Northwest Territory was surveyed it was laid out 
in plats six miles square called townships, by which land is 
located. The township is not used for political purposes save 
for certain school officers. 



The center of population has been gradually making its way 
Westward since the first census was taken in 1790. It will 
reach the southern portion of Illinois between 1900 and 19 10, 
where it will probably forever remain. 



APPENDIX. 



STATISTICS. 



ILLINOIS IN CONGRESS. 



The Government of the United States is vested in a President, 
a Congress and a Judiciary. The former is chosen hy the peo- 
ple who vote for electors that cast their ballots for the candidate 
for which they were chosen. Each State is entitled to as many 
Electoral votes as there are Representatives and Senators in 
Congress, Illinois thus being allowed twenty-two. Of the Judi- 
ciary there is one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, 
who hold office during good behavior. The Congress is made 
up of Senators and Representatives. 

While Illinois was yet a Territory her wishes were repre- 
sented by the following 

TERRITORIAL DELEGATES: 

Shadrach Bond, d Kaskaskia i8i 1-14 

Benjamin Stephens, d Edwardsville 1S17 

Nathaniel Pope, d Kaskaskia 181S 

SENATORS. 

For list of United States Senators see heads of administrations. 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

When Illinois was admitted into the Union, and until in 1833 
(after the census of 1S30) it was allowed but one Representa- 
tive in Congress. Following are the Representatives that have 
served to date, their place of residence, politics, districts repre- 
sented and date of service. (For counties that constituted the 
several districts from time to time see " Table of Counties " fol- 
lowing list.) 

d Democrat. f Elected to U. S. Senate, 

w Whig. j Chosen Minister to France. 

r Republican. || Seat contested or dcl'd vacant, 

g Greenbacker. ^ Resigned. 

* Died in oflice. § Joined the army. 

1818—1833. 

John McLean, d vShawneetown 1818-20 

Daniel P. Cook, d Kaskaskia 1837 

Joseph Duncan, d Jacksonville 1S33 



X HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

1833—1843. 

ist dst.— Charles Slade,* d Belleville 1835 

John Reynolds, d " 1S37 

Adam W. Snyder, d " 1839 

John Reynolds, d " ^^43 

2d dst. — Zadok Casey, d Mt. Vernon 1833-43 

3d dst. — Joseph Duncan, d Jacksonville 1833-34 

W. L. May, d Springfield 1S39 

John T. Stuart, w Springfield 1S43 

1843—1853. 

1st dst. — Robert Smith, d Alton 1843-49 

William H. Bissell, d Belleville 1853 

2d dst. — John A. McClernand, d Shawneetown 1843-51 

Willis Allen, d Marion 185;^ 

3d dst. — O. B. Ficklin, d Charleston 1843-49 

T. R. Young, d Marion 185 1 

O. B. Ficklin, d Charleston 1853 

4th dst. — John Wentworth, d Chicago 1843-51 

Richard S. Maloney, d Belvidere i^53 

5th dst. — Stephen A, Douglas,j d Quincy 1843-47 

William A.Richardson, d Rushville ^^53 

6th dst. — ^Joseph P. Hoge, d Galena 1S43-47 

Thomas J. Turner, d Freeport 1S49 

Edward D.Baker, \v Springfield 1851 

Thompson Campbell, d Galena 1S53 

7th dst. — John J. Ilurdin, w Jacksonville 1S43-45 

Edward D. Baker,j- w Springfield 1846 

John Henry, w Jacksonx ille 1847 

Abraham Lincoln, vv Springfield 1849 

Thomas L. Harris, d Petersburg 1851 

Richard Yates, w Jacksonville 1S53 

1853—1863. 

ist dst. — Elihue B. Washburne, w Galena ^^53-63 

2d dst. — John Wentworth, d Chicago ^^53^55 

Jas. H.Woodworth, d " 1S57 

Jno. F. Farnsworth, r " 1861 

Isaac N. Arnold, r " 1^63 

3d dst. — Jesse O. Norton, r Joliet 1^53^57 

Owen Lovejoy, r Princeton 1S63 

4th dst. — James Knox, r Knoxville 1S53-57 

William Kellogg, r Canton 1863 

5th dst. — William A. Richardson, d Rushville 1853-56 

Jacob C. Davis, d 1^57 

Isaac N. Morris, d Quincy 1861 

William A. Richardson,-}" d Rushville 1863 



APPENDIX. 



6th dst. — Richard Yates, w Jacksonville 1S53-55 

Thomas L. Harris,* d Petersburg 1^59 

Charles D. Hodges, d CarroUtoii ''^59 

John A. McClernand, d Springfield i86i 

A. L. Knapp, d Jerseyville 1^63 

7th dst. — James C. Allen, d Palestine 1S53-57 

Aaron Shaw, d Lawrence ville 1^59 

James C. Robinson, d Marshall 1^63 

8th dst. — Lyman Trumbull, d Belleville ^^53-55 

J. L. D. Morrison,, d " '^57 

Robert Smith, d Alton i^59 

Philip B. Fouke, d Belleville 1865 

9th dst. — Willis Allen, d Marion 1S53-55 

Samuel S. Marshall, d ISIcLeanboro 1859 

John A. Logan," d Benton 1861 

William' J. Allen, d Marion 1S63 

1863—1873. 

I St dst. — Isaac N. Arnold, r Chicago.. 1S63-65 

John W^entworth, r "• 1867 

Norman B. Judd, r " 187 1 

Charles B. Farwell, r « 1873 

2d dst, — J no. F. Farns worth, r " 1863-73 

3d dst. — Elihue B. Washburne,J r Galena 1863-60) 

Horatio C. Burchard, r Freeport ^^73 

4th dst. — Charles M. Harris, d Oquawka 1863-65 

Abner C. Harding, r Monmouth 1869 

John B. Hawley, r Rock Island 1*^73 

5th dst. — Owen Lovejov,* r Princeton 1863-64 

Eben C. Ingersoll, r Peoria 1871 

B. N. Stewart, d Princeton 1873 

6th dst. — Jesse O. Norton, r Joliet 1863-65 

Burton C. Cook, r Ottawa 1871 

Henry Stapp, r Joliet 1^73 

7th dst. — John R. Eden, d Sullivan 1863-65 

H. P. H. Bromwell, r Charleston 1869 

Jesse H. Moore, r Decatur 1873 

8th dst.— John T. Stuart, ( ?) Springfield 1S63-65 

Shelby M. Cullom, r " 1871 

James C. Robinson, d " ^^73 

9th dst. — Lewis W. Ross, d *Lewiston 1863-69 

T. W. McNeely, d Petersburg 1S73 

lOthdst. — A. L. Knapp, d Jerseyville 1863-65 

Anthony Thornton, d Shelbyville 1867 

Albert G. Burr, d Carrollton 1871 

Edward Y.Rice,, d Hillsboro 1^73 



XU HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

nth dst. — James C. Robinson, d Marshall 1863-65 

Samuel S.Marshall, d McLeanboro 1*^73 

12th dst. — Wm. R. Morrison, d Waterloo 1S63-65 

Jehu Baker, r Bellville ^873 

John B. Hay, r « 1873 

13th dst.— William J. Allen, d Marion 1863-65 

A. J. Kuykendall, r Vienna 1S67 

Green B. Raum, r Harrisburg 1S69 

John M. Crebs, d Carmi 1^73 

State at large. — James C. Allen, r Palestine 1863-65 

Samuel J. Moulton, r Shelby ville 1867 

John A. Logan,j- r Benton 1871 

John L. Beveridge, r Evanston 1^73 

1873—1883. 

ist dst. — John B. Rice,* r Chicago 1873-74 

B. G. Gantield, d " 1877 

William Aldrich, r « 1883 

2d dst. — i^Jasper D. W^ard, r " 1873-75 

Carter H. Harrison, d " 1S79 

George R. Davis, r " 1883 

3d dst. — Chas. B. Farwell,|| r « 1873-75 

Jno. V. LeMoyne, r « 1877 

Lorenzo Brentano, r " 1879 

Hiram Barber, r " 1881 

Charles B. Farwell, r " 1883 

4th dst. — Stephen A. Hurlburt, r Belvidere ^873-77 

William Lathrop, r Rockford 1879 

John C. Sherwin, r Geneva 1882 

5th dst. — Horatio C. Burchard, r Freeport 1873-79 

R. A. Hawks,* r Mt. Carroll 1883 

6th dst. — John B. Havvley, r Rock Island ^873-75 

Thomas J. Henderson, r Princeton 1883 

7th dst. — Franklin Corwin, r Peoria 1873-75 

Alexander Campbell, g La Salle 1877 

Philip C. Hayes, r Morrison 1881 

William Culfen, r Ottawa 1883 

Sthdst.— G. L. Fort, r Lacon 1873-81 

Lewis L. Pason, r Pontiac 1883 

9th dst. — Granville Barriere, r Canton 1873-75 

R.H.Whitney, r Peoria ". . . 1877 

Thomas A. Bovd, r Lewistown 1881 

John H. Lewis, r Knoxville 1883 

lOth dst. — William H. Ray, r Rushville 1873-75 

John C\ Bagby, " d " 1877 

Benjamin F. Marsh, r Warsaw 18S3 



APPENDIX. 



1 1 thdst.— Robert Knapp, d Jersey ville 1S73-75 

Scott Wike, d Pittsfield i^77 

Robert Knapp, d Jerscyville i^79 

James W. Singleton, d Qnincy ^ 1003 

I2thdst.— lames Robinson, d Spnn<,rfield ^^73-75 

William M. Sprmger, d Springfield 1^53 

nthdst.— John McNulta, r Bloomington 1S73-75 

Adlai E. Stephenson, d " 1^77 

John F. Tipton, r « i«79 

Adlai E. Stephenson, d " io«i 

D. C. Smith, r Fekin i«^3 

14th dst.— Joseph G. Cannon, r Danville 1873-^^3 

I Sth dst.— John R. Eden, d Sullivan ^^73-79 

Albert P. Forsythe d, Isabel i^Ji 

Samuel W. Moulton, r Shelby ville 1883 

16th dst.— T'^mtjs S. Martin, r Salem ^^73-75 

William A. J. Sparks, d Carlysle o o^ 

17th dst.— William R. Morrison, d Waterloo 1873-63 

I Sth dst.— Isaac Clements, r Carbondale 1873-75 

William Hartzell, d Chester 1879 

John R. Thomas, r Metropolis 1883 

iQth dst— Samuel S. Marshall, d McLeansboro 1873-75 

Wilham B. Anderson, d Mt. Vernon 1877 

R. W. Townsend, d Shawneetown 1883 

1883—1885. 

1st district. R. W. Dunham, r Chicago. 

2d " Frank Lawler, d Chicago. 

c,d " James H. W^ard, d , Chicago. 

4th " 'George E. Adams, r Chicago. 

cth « Reuben Elwood, r Sycamore. 

6th " Robert R. Hitt, r Mt. Morris. 

7th " T. J. Henderson, r Princeton. 

Sth " Ralph Plumb, r Streator. 

Qth « Lewis E. Payson, r Pontiac. 

10th " N. E. Worthington, d Peona. 

I ith " Alexander P. Petrie, r New Windsor. 

, 2th " Tames Riggs, d c^^"'^^^^^?!' 

icjth « William M. Springer, d Springfield. 

14th " T. H. Rowell, r Bloomington. 

I Sth « 'Joseph G. Cannon, r ^''''1'^^' 

16th « Silas Z. Landis, d ^/^^V, 

I7th « John R. Eden, d Sullivan. 

1 8th « William R. Morrison, d Waterloo. 

IQth « R. W. Townsend, d Shawneetown. 

20th « John R. Thomas, r Metropolis. 



HISTORY OF IM,INOIS. 



TABLE OF COUNTIES. 



Counties. 






Congressional dsts. 



Popula- 
tion. 



Saint Clair. . , 
Randolph . . , 
Johnson .... 
Gallatin . . . . , 
Madison .... 
Edwards . . , 

White 

Crawford . . 
Jackson .... 
Monroe .... 

Pope 

Bond 

Franklin . . . 

Union 

Washington 
Alexander . . 
Clarke ..... 
Jefferson . . . 

Wayne 

Fayette .... 

Green 

Hamilton . . . 
Lawrence . . 
Montgomery 

Pike 

Sangamon . . 

Edgar 

Fulton 

Marion 

Morgan . . . . 

Clay 

Clinton , . . . 
Wahash . . . . 
Calhoun . . . . 
Hancock , . . 

Henry 

Knox 

Mercer 

Schuyler . . . 



^09 
S09 

812 
812 
812 
814 

8'5 
816 

816 

816 

816 

817 

818 

818 

818 

819 

819 

819 

819 

821 

821 

821 

821 

821 

821 

821 

823 

823 

823 

823 

824 

824 

824 

825 

S25 

825 
825 

S35 
825 



18 
20 
20 

19 
18 

16 

'9 
16 

20 

18 

20 

18 

19 
20 

18 

20 

16 

19 
16 

17 
12 

19 
16 

17 

12 

13 

15 

ID 

19 
13 
16 

19 
16 

12 

I I 

7 
10 
1 1 
1 1 



59,229 
24,392 
12,949 
12,179 
47,422 

8,514 

22,552 

1 6, 1 60 
20,976 
13,626 
12,652 

H041 
1 6,099 

17^830 
20,900 
10,239 

21,843 
20,590 
21,275 
23,201 
23,914 
16,669 

13,344 

27,911 

33,450 
51,071 
25,316 
41,170 

23,384 
30.578 
16,107 
18,361 
9,891 
7,466 

35,175 

36,465 

37,367 

i 9,465 
16,160 



APPENDIX. 



XV 



TABLE OF COUNTIES.— Continued. 



Counties. 



t; Contrressional cists. 

<ro I CO 

CO ON 



Putnam 

Warren 

McDonough . 
Vermillion. . . 
Jo Daviess . . . 

Perry 

Shelby 

Tazewell . . . . 

Adams 

Macon 

Macoupin . , . 

Peoria 

Coles 

McLean 

Cook 

Effingham . . 

Jasper 

La Salle. . . . . 
Rock Island, 
Champaign . 
Iroquois .... 

Boone 

Kane 

McHenry . . . 

Ogle 

Whiteside . . 

Will 

Winnebago . 

Bureau 

Cass 

De Kalb 

Livingston . . 
Stephenson , 

Brown 

Carroll 

Christian . . . 

De Witt 

Du Page . . . 
Hardin 



5 

1825 

1826 
1826 
1827 
1827 
1827 
1827 
1829 
1829 
1829 
1829 

1830 

1830 

1831 
I83I 

I83I 

1831 

1831 
1833 

1833 

1835 
1836 

1836 
1836 
1836 

1836 
1836 

1837 
1837 
•837 
1837 
1837 

1839 

1839 

1839 

1839 

1839 

1839 



7 
6 

6 

4 
6 
I 

3 
7 
5 
3 
5 
5 
3 
4 
4 
3 
3 

4 
6 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 
6 

6 

4 
6 

4 

7 

4 

4 
6 

5 
6 

3 
3 

4 

2 



I 

ro 
10 

CO 

T 

4 

5 

3 
I 

9 

6 

4 
5 

I 

4 
7 
3 

2 

7 
7 
3 

2 

3 

3 
1 

2 

1 

1 

2 

3 
1 

3 
6 

2 

3 
1 

5 
1 

6 

3 

2 



CO 
!>. 

I 
CO 

VO 
CO 

"5 

4 
9 
7 
3 

13 
10 

4 

7 
8 

10 

5 

7 

8 

I 

1 1 
II 

6 

4 

7 
7 

2 

2 
2 
3 
3 
6 
2 

5 

9 

2 

8 
3 
9 
3 
10 

8 
6 



91^3 



6 
10 
10 

H 

5 
18 

15 
13 
1 1 

14 

17 

9 

H 

13 
* 

15 

7 
6 

H 
8 

4 

4 

4 

5 

5 

7 

4 
6 

12 

4 
8 

5 
1 1 

5 
12 

13 
1 

19 



7 
1 1 

1 1 

15 
6 

20 

17 
13 
12 

14 

17 
10 

15 

H 

* 

•7 
16 

8 

1 1 

15 
9 
5 
5 
5 
6 

7 
8 

6 

7 
12 

5 

9 
6 

12 

6 

^3 

8 
19 



Popula- 
tion. 

5^ 
22,642 

27,825 

4^384 

27465 
15^230 

30^194 
29^571 
57.247 
30,308 
37.258 

54.831 
26,765 
59,409 
600,362 
18,895 
14,467 
70,309 
37.764 
40.397 
35.203 
1 1 ,460 

44.387 

24.857 
29,829 

30,807 

52,719 
30,351 
33.016 
14,487 
26,675 
38,150 
3 • ,940 
12,982 
16,950 
28,100 
16,897 
19,101 
1 5.860 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Counties. — Concluded. 



r- ^ 



Congfressional dsts, 



T 

t^ 00 

CO 00 



Popula- 
tion. 



Lake 1 839 

1S39 
1839 
1S39 
1839 
1S39 
1S39 
^839 
1S39 

1 84 1 
1 84 1 
1 84 1 
1 84 1 
1841 
1S41 
1841 
1S43 
1843 



Lee 
Logan .... 

Jersey 

Marshal . . . 
Menard . . . 

Scott 

Stark 

Williamson 
Grundy . . . 
Henderson . 
Kendall . . . 
Mason .... 

Piatt 

Richland . . 
Woodford . 
Cumberland 
Massac .... 

Moultrie j 1843 

Pulaski I 1 843 

Saline | 1 847 

Kankakee I 1 85 1 

Douglas 1857 

Ford I 1859 

* 1S73-83 Cook contained the i, 2, 3; 

POPULATION OF LARG] 

City. 1880 

Chicago 503,185 

Peoria 29,252 

Quincy 27,268 

Springfield i9'743 

Bloomington 17,180 

Rockford 13,193 

Aurora 11 ,875 

Rock Island 11 ,659 

Joliet 11,657 

Galesburg 1 1,437 

Jacksonville 10,927 

Belleville 10,683 

Decatur 9,547 



21,315 
27,427 
24,681 
15,210 
15,018 
12,970 
10,710 
11,203 
19,071 
16,604 
10,710 
13,008 
1 6,0 1 8 

15,550 
15,509 
21,535 
13,757 
8,740 

13,679 
6,237 

15,357 
24,971 

15,743 
14,989 



883, 1, 2, 3,4 




5T CITIES. 




1870 


i860 


298,977 


112,172 


22,849 


H.045 


24,052 


13,718 


17.364 


9.320 


H690 


7.675 


11,049 


6,979 


11,152 


6,0 11 


7,890 


5.130 


7.263 


7,102 


10,158 


4.953 


9.203 


5.528 


8,146 


7.520 


7,161 


3.839 



APPENDIX. 



ILLINOIS PRESIDENTIAL VOTE.— 1S36-1SS4. 



1S36. 

Martin Van Buren,d.. 17,275 

William H. Harrison, w 14,292 

1S40. 

William H. Harrison, w 45,537 

Martin Van Buren, d , . 47,476 

1844. 

James K. Polk, d 57,920 

Henry Clay, w 45,528 

Birney 3,570 

1848. 

Zachary Taylor, w . . . . 53,047 

Lewis Cass, d 56,300 

^Martin Van Buren, f s. 15,774 

Franklin Pierce, d.... 80,597 

Winfield Scott, w 64,934 

Hale, f s 9,966 

1856. 
James Buchanan, d. . . , 105,348 
John C. Fremont, r. . . . 96,189 
Millard Filmore, am.. 37,444 

i860. 
Abraham Lincoln, r. . . 173,161 
Stephen A. Douglas, d. 160,215 

J|@°°d, Democrat; w. Whig; f s 
American; n. National;! r, Liber 
p, Prohibitionist. 



J. C. Breckinridge, d. . 2,404 
John Bell, n 4,9 1 3 

1864. 
Abraham Lincoln, r. , . 189,496 
Geo. B. McClellan,d. . 158,730 

1868. 
Ulysses S. Grant, r. . , .250,293 
Horatio Seymour, d. . . 199,143 

1872. 
Ulysses S. Grant, r .... 24 1 ,944 
Horace Greeley, 1 r. . , 184,938 

1576. 
Rutherford B. Hayes, r 278,233 

Sam'I J. Tilden, d 258,601 

Peter Cooper, g 17^233 

1880. 
James A. Garfield, r. .308,037 

W. S. Hancock, d 277,321 

Weaver, g 26,358 

Dow, p 443 

1S84. 
Grover Cleveland, d. , .312,584 
James G. Blaine, r. . . .337,41 1 
John P. St. John, p. .. . 12,005 
Benj. F. Butler, i 10,849 

, Free Soil; r. Republican; am,* 
al Republican ; g, Greenbacker; 



TABLE OF POPULATION. 



Age 




Males. 


Females. 


Age. 


Males. 


Females. 


to 5 yrs. 


211,103 


205,21 1 


55 to 60 yrs. 


41.175 


34.643 


5" 10 




197,289 


194.953 


60 " 65 » 


33.090 


27,592 


10 » 15 




183,610 


179.341 


65 " 70 « 


21,024 


1 8,447 


15 " 20 




163,310 


165,827 


70 " 75 " 


12,915 


11.835 


20 " 25 




164,582 


156,439 


75 " 80 " 


6,893 


6,625 


25 " 30 




129,832 


1 16,204 


80 " 85 " 


3.044 


3.172 


30 " 35 




108,720 


97.327 


85 " 90 " 


893 


1.034 


35 " 40 




97.739 


88,233 


90 " 95 " 


213 


263 


40 •' 45 




81,039 


73.032 


95 " 100" 


60 


Si 


45 " 50 




66,927 


60,520 


100 & over 


20 


40 


50 " 55 




63.045 


50,529 









HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



PEOPLE PER SQUARE MILE. 



Rhode Island 254.81 

Massachusetts 221.78 

New Jersey i5i-73 

Connecticut 128.52 

New York 106.74 

Pennsylvania 95-2 1 

Maryland 94.82 

Ohio 7546 

Delaware 74.80 

Indiana 55-09 

Illinois 54-96 

Kentucky 41.22 

N. Hampshire 38-53 

Virginia . . . . ^ 37-7'-' 

Tennessee 3^-94 

Vermont 36.38 

S. Carolina 33-oo 

Missouri 3^-55 

Iowa 29.29 

N. Carolina 38.81 

Michigan 28.50 

Georgia 26.15 



W. Virginia 25.09 

Alabama H'5^ 

Mississippi 24.42 

Wisconsin 24.16 

Maine 21.71 

Louisiana 20.69 

Arkansas 15-^3 

Kansas 12.19 

Minnesota 9. 86 

Texas 6.07 

Nebraska 5-94 

California 5-54 

Florida 4-97 

Colorado' 1.87 

Oregon 1.85 

Utah T 1.75 

Washington T i . 1 3 

New Mexico T 0.98 

Dakota T 0.92 

Nevada 0.57 

Idaho T 0.39 

Arizona T 0.36 



SCHOOLS— 1884. 



*Males of school age 

Females of school age 

Males enrolled 

Females enrolled 

Children of school age 

Children enrolled 

Average daily attendance . . . 

Number of districts 

Stone school houses 

Brick school houses 

Frame school houses 

Log school houses 

Graded schools 

Ungraded schools 

PriA'ate schools 

Male teachers 

Female teachers 

Average salary for males . 
Average salaiy for females, 



532,066 
514,871 
365.512 

351453 
1,046,937 

716,935 

459.156 

11,491 

21 1 

1,295 

10,091 

379 
1,166 

10,814 

731 

6,885 

12,896 

. $49.00 

38.99 



COUNTIES.— 1S20. 



Gallatin (Pop.) 

White 

Edwards 

Franklin 

Washington. . . 

Bond 

Alexander , . . . 

Jackson 

Randolph. . . . • 

St. Clair 

Madison 

Union 

Wayne 

Jefferson 

Monroe 

Crawford 

Clark 

Pope 

Johnson 



3.155 
4,828 

3.444 
1.763 
1.517 
2,931 
626 

1.542 
3.492 
5.253 

13.550 

2,362 

1,114 

691 

1.537 
3,022 

931 
3,610 

843 



APPENDIX. 



XIX 



NATIVITY STATISTICS.— 1880. 
Followincr are statistics showing the greatest influx of popu- 
lation from ''one State to another in which Illinois is directly 
interested. J|@»Native State in small caps; residence State 
with statistics. (Ex. 102,820 people living in Iowa in ib8o 
were born in Illinois.) 



ILLINOIS. 

Iowa 102,820 

Kansas 106,992 

Missouri 103,290 

INDIANA. 

Illinois 9^^388 

Kansas 77'096 

Missouri 60,094 

Iowa 59'27^ 

NEW YORK. 

Michigan 229,657 

Illinois 120,199 

Pennsylvania 100,490 

New Jersey 94^692 

Wisconsin 86,588 

Iowa 82,690 

Ohio 64,138 



KENTUCKY. 

Missouri 102,799 

Indiana 73^9^8 

Illinois 61,920 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Ohio 138,163 

Illinois 89,467 

Iowa 77^357 

Kansas 59'236 

New York 56»i55 

OHIO. 

Indiana 186,391 

Illinois 136,884 

Iowa 1 20,495 

Kansas 93,396 

Missouri 7^,93^ 

Michigan 77^053 



The ratio population of Illinois contains 23 foreign-born 
izens to 100 native-born. The greatest number of fo.-eigners 




Vircrinia there is less than i to 100 native-born. 



COMPARATIVE POPULATION. 

Illinois. United States, 

Year Pop. Gain. Pop. Gain. 

T820 .... 55,162 350.3 9,633,822 33-0 

fso::::::::.... 157,445 '85.4 -,866020 33-5 

1840 496,183 215.1 ^7,069,453 31-8 

isto 851,470 7^-5 23,191,877 35-8 

1S60: 1,71^,951 ^oo-9 31,443,321 31.1 

1 870 2,539,89 1 48-3 38,558,37 1 22-3 

1880 3,077,871 17-3 5o,iD3,/83 5>^ 



XX HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

PUBLIC INSTITUTION DIRECTORY. 

STATE. 

Northern Insane Hospital, at Elgin. 

Eastern Insane Hospital, at Kankakee. 

Central Insane Hospital, at Jacksonville. 

Southern Insane Hospital, at Anna. 

Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, at Jacksonville, 

Institution for the Blind, at Jacksonville. 

Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children, at Lincoln., 

Soldiers' Orphans' Home, at Normal. 

State Reform School, at Pontiac. 

Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary, at Chicago*. 

Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, at Quincy. 

Illinois Soldiers' College, at Freeport. 

Northern State Normal, at Normal. 

Southern State Normal, at Carbondale. 

Illinois Industrial University, at Champaign. 

Northern State Penitentiary, at Joliet. 

Southern State Penitentiary, at Chester. 

COLLEGES NOT SUPPORTED BY THE STATE. 

Shurtleff College, at Alton. 

Northwestern University, at Evanston. 

Knox College, at Galesburg. 

Lombard University, at Galesburg. 

Illinois College, at Jacksonville. 

Monmouth College, at Monmouth. 

University of Chicago, at Chicago. 

Wheaton College, at Wheaton. 

Lincoln University, at Lincoln. 

Mount Carroll Female Seminary, at Mount CarroIL 

Monticello Female Seminary, at Godfrey. 

Almira Female College, at Greenville. 

Illinois Wesleyan University, at Bloomington. 

Rockford Female Seminary, at Rockford. 

Quincy College, at Quincy. 

Peoria County Normal, at Peoria. 

Cook County Normal, at Englewood. 

McKindree College, at Lebanon. 

Blackburn University, at Carlinville. 

Methodist Female College, at Jacksonville. 

Presbyterian Female College, at Jacksoville, 

Hedding College, at Abingdon. 

Abingdon College, at Abingdon. 

Eureka College, at Eureka. 

Westfield College, at Westfield. 



APPENDIX. 



FOREIGNERS. 

Nativity, number in Illinois 
and rank with other States. 

Germany 235,786 2 

Ireland 1 1 7,043 4 

Scandinavia 65,414 3 

England 60,012 3 



ILLITERACY. 
(Ten years of age and over.) 

Whites 1 23,624 

Colored 9?95<^ 

Native 90.595 

Foreign 43,989 

Total i33>574 



CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES FOR ILLINOIS. 



PENSION AGENTS. 

Chicago $4,000 

CUSTOM SERVICE CHICAGO. 



Collector $7,000 

Deputy Collector .... 3,000 

Appraiser S.ooo 

Auditor 2,200 

2 Deputy Collectors . 2,200 

Cashier 2,200 

Clerk 2,200 

Examiner 2,000 

" 1 ,800 

Deputy Collector .... 1,800 

Assistant Auditor .... 1,800 

Entry Clerk 1,800 



Clerk $1,700 

Deputy Collector .... 1,600 
Assistant Entry cl'k. . 1,600 

2 Clerks 1,600 

2 " i»5oo 

Weigher i ,500 

2 Clerks 1,400 

Assistant Cashier .... 1,400 

5 Clerks 1,200 

2 " 1,000 

49 Assistants (day) $2 to $4 
Surofeon — Cairo 800 



REVENUE COLLECTORS. 



Chicago $4,500 

Aurora 2,875 

Sterling 2,500 

Quincy 3i5oo 

Peora 4,500 



Champaign $2,125 

Springfield 4.500 

Cairo 3,250 

Deputy Collectors — to 2,000 
Clerks — to i ,800 



UNITED STATES SUB-TREASURY. CHICAGO. 



Assistant Treasurer . . . $4,500 

Cashier 2,500 

Paying Teller 1,800 

Receiving Teller i?5oo 

Clerk — coins, etc 1 5500 

STEAMBOAT 
CHICAGO. 

Inspector of Hulls. . . .$3,000 

" " Boilers . . 2,000 

Clerk 1,000 



Bookkeeper $1,500 

Assistant Bookkeeper . i ,200 

Clerks 1 ,200 

Messenger 840 

3 Watchmen 720 

INSPECTORS. 

GALENA. 

Inspector of Hulls. . . .$2,000 
" " Boilers . . 1,600 



XXll 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES.— Continued. 



LIGHT-HOUSE 

Calumet $54° 

I Chicago 700 

3 " 500 

Waukegan 540 

UNITED STATES CIRCUIT 

Northern District 7th Circuit. 

Circuit Judge 6,000 

District " 4,000 

" Atatorney fees & 200 

Assistant Dst. Attorney 2,200 

" " " 1,500 

Marshal fees & 200 

Clerks fees 

U. S. Commissioner. . fees 



KEEPERS. 

Gross Point. 



$675 
500 
400 



AND DISTRICT COURTS. 

Southern District S. Circuit. 

Ciixuit Judge $6,000 

District " 4,000 

" Attorney fees & 200 
Assistant Dst. Attorney i ,500 

Marshal fees 

Clerks fees 

U. S. Commissioners. . fees 



SALARIED POSTOFFICES. 



Chicago $4,000 

Rockford Si^oo 

Bloomington SiOOO 

Peoria 3,ooo 

Quincy 3?ooo 

Springfield S^ooo 

Galesburg 2,900 

Danville , 2,800 

Elgin 2,800 

Decatur 2,600 

La Salle 2,600 

Streator 2,600 

Freeport 2,500 

Jacksonville 2,500 

Joliet 2,500 

Moline 2,500 

Rock Island 2,500 

Ottawa 2,400 

Aurora 2,300 

Alton 2,200 



Canton $2,200 

Geneseo 2,200 

Lincoln 2,200 

Mattoon 2,200 

Paris 2,200 

Sterling 2,200 

Belleville 2,100 

Belvidere 2,100 

Cairo 2,100 

Dixon 2,100 

Monmouth 2,100 

Morrison 2,100 

Sycamore 2,100 

Waukegan 2,100 

Carlinville 2,000 

Galena 2,000 

Morris 2,000 

Pekin 2,000 

Princeton 2,000 

Shelby ville 2,000 



(Less than $2,000 a year.) 

$1,900. — Batavia, Centralia, Champaign, East St. Louis, 
Englewood, Evanston, Jersey ville, Kankakee, Mendota, Mount 
Carroll, Pana. 

$1,800. — Amboy, Charleston, Gaiva, Henry, Kawanee, Litch- 
field, Petersburg, Polo, Pontiac, Urbana. 



APPENDIX. XXin 

POSTOFFICE SALARIES. — CONCLUDED. 

$1,700. — Beardstown, Braidwood, Bushnell, Carrollton, Car- 
thage, Clinton, Effingham, Fairbury, Hillsborough, Hyde Park, 
Lanark, Lockport, Normal, Olney, Paxton, Pittsfield, Sandwich, 
South Chicago, Taylorville, Warsaw, Woodstock. 

$1,600. — Areola, Carbondale, Carmi, De Kalb, Du Quoin, 
Dwight, Greenville, Havana, Marengo, Marshall, Mt. Vernon, 
Oak Park, Peru, Rochelle, Tuscola, Vandalia, Watseka, Wil- 
mington. 

$1,500. — Aleda, Chester, Delavan, Edwardsville, El Paso, 
Hoopeston, Knoxville, Lena, Macomb, Marseilles, Mason City, 
Minonk, Naperville, National Stock Yards, Virginia, Whea- 
ton, White Hall. 

$1,400. — Abingdon, Atlanta, Cambridge, Harvard, Lacon, 
Lewiston, May wood, Monticello, Mt. Morris, Mt. Pulaski, 
Murphysborough, Nokomis, Oregon, Rock Falls, Rushville, 
Sparta, Virden, Warren. 

$1,300. — Anna, Bunker Hill, Farmer City, Flora, Geneva, 
Gibson City, Mt. Sterling, Nashville, Onarga, Salem, Washing- 
ton. 

$1,200, — Auburn, Carlyle, Chatsworth, Chenoa, Eai'Iville, 
Elm Hurst, Elmwood, Fairfield, Farmington, Fulton, Griggs- 
ville, Lemont, Metropolis City, Piano, Pullman, Sawanna, 
Shawneetown, Waverly, Wenona, Winchester. Barry, $1,150. 

$1,100. — Collinsville, Eureka, Oilman, Girard, Highland 
Lake, Forest, Melford, Newton, Odell, Pocatonica, Sheldon, 
Sullivan, Toulon, Wyoming. Forreston, $1,050. 

$1,000. — Albion, Bement, Braceville, Graville, Havelock, 
Highland Park, Kirkwood, Lebanon, Leroy, Lexington, Mc- 
Leansborough, Maroa, Momence, Morgan Park, Mt. Carmel, 
Palatine, Port Byron, Princeville, Robinson, Roodhouse, Ross- 
ville, St. Charles, Saybrook, South Evanston, Staunton, Upper 
Alton, Waterloo, Wright's Grove. 

PosTOFFicE Clerks (Salary, $600 to $3,400). — Chicago, 
357;Quincy, 6; Peoria, 5; Springfield, 5 ;Bloomington, 4; Cairo, 
2; Decatur, 2. Alton, Aurora, Elgin, Galena, Galesburg, 
Jacksonville, Joliet, Kankakee, Monmouth, Morris, Ottawa and 
Rock Island, each i. 

Letter Carriers in cities of over 50,000 inhabitants, first 
year receive $600; second year, $Soo; third year and after, 
$1,000, In other cities, $600 to $850. 



XXIV HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



SUMMARY OF EVENTS. 

1667. Fathei" AUouez hears of Illinois Indians, . Page 27' 

1670. Discovery of Illinois by Nicholas Perrot, ... 28- 

1672. Frontenac made Governor of Canada, .... 32 

1673. Illinois explored by Marquette and Joliet, ... 2S 

1674. Marquette's second visit to Illinois, 32 

La Salle commissioned by Louis XIV, .... 33 

1676. Father Marquette died. May iS, 60- 

1680. La Salle explored Illinois River; erected Ft. Creve- 

coeur and a chapel, 38 

Battle between Iroquois and Illinois Indians, . . 44 

1681. Indians and French form a confederation, . . . 48 

Hennepin taken captive, 5^5 57 

De La Barre made Governor of Canada, ... 52 

1682. La Salle named new territory Louisiana, ... 51 

Ft. Saint Louis erected, 52 

First permanent settlement made at Kaskaskia,. . 66 

1683. La Salle summoned to France, 53 

1686. Cahokia settled, 75 

1687. La Salle assassinated, 62 

1695. First baptismal rites performed at Kaskaskia, . . 66' 

1 7 11. Capital removed to New Orleans, ' 68- 

Peoria mission fovmded, 68 

17 1 2. " trading-post established 68 

17 18. Bursting of "South Sea Bubble," 70- 

Fort Chartres built, 75 

1732. Louisiana made a royal province, 72 

1737. First war with the Chickasaws, 72 

1740. Second war with the Chickasaws 74 

1744. English purchased Illinois from Iroquois Indians, . 76 

1749. Lead plates of claims distributed, 76' 

1754. Battle of Great Meadows, 77 

« « Ft. Necessity, 78 

1755. French carried from Acadia, 78 

Defeat of Braddock, . 78 

1760. All French forts surrendered to the English, . . 78 

Pontiac's wars began, 79, 96 

1763. Maj. Loftus's expedTtibn to Illinois, . . * . . . 81 

1764. Pontiac urges another war against English, . . 81 
First water-mill erected, 8^ 

1765. General Gage's messengers threatened, .... 82- 
Captain Sterling made Governor, 83 

1768. Court by Jury established, 8^ 

1769. Pontiac assassinated at Cahokia, 83: 



APPENDIX. 



1772. Ft. Chartres destroyed by freshet, .... Page 84 

1773. Gov. Wilkins's laiul purchase from Indians, . . 84 

1774. Court by Jury repealed, 84 

A store opened at Cahokia, 85 

1776. Declaration of Indepedence signed, July 4, ... 86 

1777. Burgoyne surrendered, Oct. 17, 86 

1778. Clarke dispatched Westward with an army, Feb. 4, 88 

Total eclipse of the sun, June 24, 88 

Attack upon and surrender of Kaskaskia, July 4, . -89 

Cahokia surrendered, July 10, 90 

Vincennes surrendered, July, 91 

Illinois made a county of Virginia, Oct., ... 94 

Vincennes retaken by British, Dec. 14, .... 92 

1779. Battle of Ft. Vincennes, Feb. 22, 93 

Colonel Todd, of Kentucky, made Governor, . . 95 

17S1. Important new settlements were made, .... 95 
1782. Governor Todd killed in battle; Timothy de Mont- 
burn made Governor, 9^ 

17S3. County of Illinois ordinances passed, 94 

Gen. Clarke's army recalled, 95 

Frontier wars began, "... 105 

Fort Piggot erected, 113 

1784. County of Illinois ceded by Virginia to U. S., . . loi 

1785-6. Kickapoo wars, 106 

1787. Northwest Territory organized; Arthur St. Clair 

made Governor; Capital removed to Marietta, O., loi 

1785. Belief ontaine skirmish, 10 1 

1790. Governor St. Clair's first visit, 103 

Ferry built across the Wabash at Vincennes . . 1 1 1 

Mrs. Gilham and children captured, 130 

1791. Two battles fought in the American Bottom, . . 107 
Battle of the Wabash, 109 

1794. " " " Mauniee, Aug. 20, no 

1795. " before Belleville, 108 

The MacMahan massacre, 108 

Ferry established across the Mississippi at St. Louis, 112 

Randolph County organized, 112 

1798. Second Territorial election, 112 

iSoo. Indiana and Ohio Territories formed from North- 
west Territory ; William Henry Harrison made 

Governor of the latter, 113 

1803. Louisiana Ty. purchased by U. S., 113 

1804. " " added to Indiana Ty., 113 

Fort Dearborn erected, 113 

1S05. Michigan Ty. separated from Indiana Ty., . . . 115 



XXVI HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



1S09. Illinois Ty. separated from Indiana Ty.; Ninian 
Edwards made Governor, P^ige 

1810. Tecumseh declared war, 

181 1. Battle of Tippecanoe, 

Earthquake shock, 

1812. Lively's family massacred, June, 

Governor Edwards conferred with Indians . 

Fort Dearborn massacre, Aug. 15, 

First war expedition to Lake Peoria, Oct., . 

Territorial election, Oct. 8, 9, 10, 

First State house erected, 

Chief Gomo delivered his celebrated speech, 

181 3. Second war expedition to Lake Peoria, .... 

18 14. First newspaper established, 

181 6. Bank established at Shawneetown, 

Fort Dearborn rebuilt, 

1817. Illinois Ty. enlarged, 

18 1 8. First Constitutional Convention met Apr. 8, 
Shadrach Bond inaugurated Governor, Oct. 3, 
Illinois admitted into the Union, Dec. 3, . 

1819. First need and real desire for money, .... 
Early form of " Black Laws " adopted, .... 

1820. Capital removed to Vandalia, 

1 82 1. State Bank chartered, 

1822. Edward Coles inaugurated, 

1823. Slavery difficulties, 

1824. First school and road laws enacted, 

1825. Illinois & Michigan Canal incorporated,. 

Governor Coles arrested, 

General Lafayette visited Illinois, 

1826. Ninian Edwards inaugurated, 

1827. Winnebago War, 

1S29. Voting by ballot repealed, 

1830. John Reynolds inaugurated, 

1 83 1. First railroad incorporated, 

Black Hawk War began, 

General Gaines treated with Black Hawk,Jime, 
Battle of Old Man's Creek, 

1832. Indian Creek massacre. May 31, 

Battle of Burr Oak Grove, June 17, 

" " Apple River Fort, 

Major De Mont's engagement with Indians, 
Battle of the Wisconsin, 

" « Bad Axe, July 3, 

Black Hawk captured, 



APPENDIX. 



1832. Gen. Scott's army of U. S. troops arrived, . Page 

1533. Black Hawk released from U. S. prison, 

1 534. Joseph Duncan inaugurated, 

1835. Internal-improvement fever broke out, .... 

Circuit Courts re-established, 

1S36. Second State bank chartered, 

Work begun on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, 

1837. Chicago became a city, . 

Last Indian tribe removed, 

Murder of Elijah Lovejov, 

1838. Thomas Carlin inaugurated, 

First locomotive introduced into the State, . 

1S39. Capital removed to Springfield, 

First arrival of Mormons, 

1840. Smith-McClernand difficulties, 

1841. Nauvoo incorporated, 

1842. Lincoln-Shields difi^culty, 

State bank failed, 

Thomas Ford inaugurated, 

1845. Nauvoo riots; Joseph Smith assassinated; Mormons 

driven from Illinois, 

1846. Augustus C. French inaugurated, 

War declared against Mexico, 

Long march of the Third and Fourth Illinois, . 
Battle of Buena Vista, .......... 

" " Vera Cruz, 

" " Cerro Gordo,. ., 

1847. Second Constitutional Convention met June 7, . 
Present date for State elections adopted,. 

1848. Illinois & Michigan Canal completed, .... 

1849. "Bloody Island Dike " settlement, 

"State Policy" war; first and second grievance 

convention, 

1S50. Work begun on Illinois Central Railroad, . 

1 85 1. Third State bank established, 

1853. Joel A. Matteson inaugurated, 

Conventions held in the interest of education, . 
Republican party held its first meeting, . . . 208, 

1854. Senator Douglas denied free speech, 

1855. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruc. created. 
Liquor difficulties; " Maine Laws,," ...... 

1S57. W. H. Bissell inaugurated, 

Governor Bissell assailed by politicians, . " . 

1S5S. Lincoln-Douglas Senatorial contest, 

1S59. Canal Script Fraud investigatedy. 



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70 

[71 
[71 
,78 

'71 
[72 

72. 

[82- 
.76 

■77 

77' 
[81 
178, 
181 

79 

[82 

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95 
96 

97 
96 
98 
98 

99 

95 

201 

201 



201 
205 
205 
206 
207 
210 
209 
207 
207 
212 
212 
214 
215 



XXviii HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

i860. Governor Bissell died in office March 18, . Page 216 

i86r. Richard Yates inaugurated, 223 

War of the Rebellion broke out, 224 

Senator Douglas died in office, June 3, .... 222 

Captain Stokes seized arms at St. Louis, . . . 225 

Illinois in the Missouri campaign, 225 

1862. Third Constitutional Convention, 226 

Illinois at Forts Henry and Donelson, .... 227 

" " Pea Ridge, March 7, 8, 228 

« " New Madrid, 228 

« " Island No. 10, April 7, 22S 

« " Shiloh, April 6, 7, 22S 

« « Farmington, 228 

«' " Corinth, May 30, Oct. 4, 228 

« a Perryville, Oct. 8, 229 

" " Murfreesboro, Dec. 31, 229 

" in First Vicksburg expedition, Dec. 30, . 228 

1863. " " Second " " May 1-17,. 231 

" at Chickamauga, Sep 19, 20, 231 

" " Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, 231 

1864. Confederate Chicago plot revealed, 232 

Illinois in the " March to the Sea," 232 

" with General Thomas, 233 

1865. Richard J. Oglesby inaugurated (first term), . . 239 
President Lincoln Assassinated, April 14, . . . 239 

1869. John M. Palmer inaugurated, 241 

Fourth Constitutional Convention held, . . . . 241 

187 1. Chicago in flames, Oct. 8, 9, 10, 241 

1873. Richard J. Oglesby inaugurated (second term), . 247 

John L. Beveridge became Governor, .... 247 

Statutes of Illinois revised, 148 

First meeting held by the Greenback party, . . . 148 

1877. Shelby M. Cullom inaugurated (first term), . . 250 
" Medical practice Act " passed ; Board of Health 

instituted, 251 

Labor difficulties; Commerce impeded, .... 251 

1881. Shelby M. Cullom inaugurated (second term),. . 254 

John M. Hamilton inaugurated, Feb. 7, . . . , 254 

1883. Carlinville Riots, 254 

18S5. Richard J. Oglesby inaugurated (third term), . . 256 

1886. Labor troubles; eight-hour strike, 257 

Chicago policemen killed by dynamiters, May 5, . 358 



